"Changing an organization, a company, a country -or the world - begins with the simple step of changing yourself" - Tony Robbins
Emotions have played out quite well in the American presidential elections this year. The decision of the American voter has largely been influenced by personality traits of Trump and Biden than their political ideologies.
Evangelicals for Biden expressed their Democrat affiliation and it appeared black and white. "While some of Trump's policies" says a Democrat Evangelical cleric "seem to champion Christian values his personality does not"
As entrepreneurs and professionals outside the US we may not be able to influence the outcome of the elections but we can assess and make adjustments to our personalities to make our products or brands attractive in the market place.
It is widely accepted that money is one of the motivations for career and business pursuit. On the flip side one will notice that the promise of riches is not enough to outweigh the risk of starting a venture. How about the feeling we get when we conquer what we set out to achieve?
After a successful business deal, sale or job promotion, the boost you get in your ego (opinion about yourself and your abilities) is incredible.
The ego boost is one of the most untalked about motivations for business pursuit.
Sometimes business professionals slip into a spectrum of unhealthy self esteem which may be dangerous for our career and market dominance.
Its a great asset to know how to balance healthy self-esteem and humility.
Like other human capacities and emotions, ancient jewish wisdom has aligned different manifestations of ego ranging from narcissism to humility. They are as follows;
1. The gas ruach
A Hebrew expression for someone with rude or offensive attitude.
A person who has a non-existent foundation for his self love.
The gas ruach naturally over estimates their own abilities and belief about themselves.
They are in direct opposite to humility.
In business the gas ruach may not get repeat deals with clients. No one wants to be around him. Such a person will face relationship issues with suppliers, partners, clients, bosses etc.
Pharoah in the bible is a classic example of a gas ruach.
His attitude is captured in one of his responses to Moses, a revolutionary slave emancipation business leader. "Who is the God that i should listen to him?"
Rather than learning and adjusting their attitude, the gas ruach put up violent response to people who they think can outperform them in the work space or business.
"If you detect this behavior in yourself" says Rabbi Backman "fight it. Nothing will kill your hopes more quickly than being a gas ruach"
2. The Ba'al Ga'va.
This is another arrogant type of person. Unlike the gas ruach the Ba'al Ga'va is realistic about his abilities, talents and achievements. They mostly have past successes to base their current pride and arrogance on.
When Baal Gava's are in a group they look out for their personal benefits and interest. Their self centered attitude robs them of their team spirit. They don't do well in a group or partnership business because they never see the needs of others except themselves.
The question they constantly ask is "whats in it for ME?"
A Baal Gava has a delight in taking advantage of other people due to his unspiritual nature.
When you are negotiating with a Baal Gava you better be careful. Never do if you are desperate because they will use your desperation against you in the transaction.
This is true in most negotiations between politicians from rich and poor countries.
Most people in business may favor this position but that's unethical, immoral and unspiritual.
Most political leaders in liberal democracies are Baal Gava's
The bible captures this attitude in Deuteronomy concerning Israel at a certain point of their history.
"You may say to yourself My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." Deuteronomy 17:18-19
If you are a Baal Gava, always remember that your gifts are from above and meant to be used fairly for a greater goal.
The reason to be proud of your self should not be a license for putting down others.
3. The Humble Person.
Humility is the single solution to ego crises in every sphere of life.
Humble people equally have great talents and achievements but they fail to let it get the better part of them.
"For humble people ", says Rabbi Buckmann "it is not about themselves and their ego. It is all about what needs to be done for a higher cause."
Humble people are opened to criticism and advice and are aware of their shortcomings.
Gas ruach and Baal Gava have sensitive ego and easily become offended.
The simple test for unhealthy ego is a response when one feels insulted directly or indirectly.
Humble people get very hurt after an insult but shortly get over it after taking some time to think about it.
They drive lessons from the offensive words to empower themselves positively.
This is a vital attitude for career and business success.
Humble people are attractive and trustworthy in the business world. They easily attract suppliers, clients, partners etc in their business pursuit.
On the other hand, humble people are not door mats. They cannot be treaded on by people.
They are people of firm values, full of focus and personal discipline.
Moses, the most successful entrepreneur and author in history is an example of a humble person.
4. The doormat
Being a doormat is a sign of weakness that requires correction just like the gas ruach and Baal Gava.
The door mat receives instructions form everyone and may sometimes get overwhelmed with instructions.
They are indecisive and lack initiative and focus.
Their main weakness is that unlike the humble person they look to what other people want done instead of what needs to be done.
The door mat may be ranked low on the scale of self-esteem and may rely too much on other people to compensate for their low self esteem.
Their attitude towards the value they add to their work is often under rated by themselves.
They are vulnerable and may make avoidable loses in business leading to poor growth.
They may have problems with hiring and supervising workers.
The doormat should acknowledge that you are not spiritual or kind by opening your doors to everyone and everything.
It should be noted that door mat may have great talent and capability for making great decisions and doing great things, but the voices of other people may overshadow their personal initiative and drive.
To be truly successful one needs to exercise humility more than any other trait on the ego spectrum.
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