By Stacy Zemon, Publisher & Chief Scribe
Have you ever met another DJ with a big ego? I know, it’s a silly question because most of us have, shall I say, very “healthy” egos. We’re performers and can’t help ourselves, right?
There is a natural tendency on the part of some DJ business owners to think that what they are far more talented than the other DJs in their multi-op, and that what they contribute to the business is considerably more important than anyone else.
Some of these people are simply ego maniacs who live in a fantasy world of sorts where they are in some way superior to everyone else. The fact is that most ego maniacs are covering up for some form of insecurity.
I Am Simply The Best!
Chances are you have a decent-sized ego, or you wouldn’t be a DJ or an entrepreneur. It takes self-confidence to blaze your own path and assume all the risk and responsibility that come with going it alone. A healthy ego is often an advantage in business; however, people with runaway egos often are in denial about their behavior. They see themselves as tremendous talents or employers with few, if any, faults.
The result of this type of attitude is resentment from their staff. Employees will be less likely to open up to the ego-centric employer and this can have a devastating effect on team work and productivity.
To Thine Own Self Be True
Take a look at your ego. How do fellow employees view you? Do they seem to open up to you or do they keep their distance? Do you feel that you always need to be right? Can you easily say “I made a mistake”? Do you feel secure about your abilities? Or do you in any way come across as superior to others in order to overcome some insecurity?
If you have been told that you are arrogant or stand-offish, try to change the way you come across to others. Smile more. Take an interest in others. Don’t talk constantly about yourself. Take blame when necessary. Try to be more genuine and sincere. Don’t live in a world that’s all about you. Show concern for others and help them with issues when warranted. Watch you body language carefully. How you carry yourself says a lot about how you view the world and others. Do your best to leave most of your excess ego at the door when you come to work.
Some Important Questions
If you must micromanage every project and insist on having the last word on every decision, you’re discouraging your staff from taking ownership. And when you prevent your people from growing in their jobs, you keep your company from growing, too.
Does ego play a role in your management style? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you find it hard to delegate responsibility?
- Do you implement your employees’ suggestions, or is your knee-jerk impulse to shoot them down?
- When an employee has a good idea, do you give them credit for it?
- Do you tend to micromanage projects?
- Do you facilitate every staff meeting?
If you answered yes to these questions, perhaps it’s time for an ego check. Try to change your outlook by breaking some of these habits. For example:
- Pick a project languishing on your to-do list and hand it off to an employee. Getting it done, even imperfectly, beats not getting it done at all.
- Start soliciting employee suggestions, and then implement some, even if you privately think they’re silly. As long as they don’t do any harm, the benefits you’ll reap are worth it.
- Instead of leading every meeting, ask employees to take turns facilitating. You might be surprised by what you learn.
While it may be nice to be the “Top Dog” in your business, in the end, it’s humility and people skills that will get and keep you successful and happy!
