The Problem With Pride

The problem with pride is that pride thinks it is self sufficient. Pride creates a false sense of worth. The prideful mindset loses sight of just how much other people helped contribute to their individual level of success. After reaching a desired level of status, when pride takes over, the individual begins to believe their own delusional self-talk which convinces them that they can do anything all by themselves. This false self-actulazition causes these prideful individuals to become insensitive to the value of others and they are prone to continually criticizing everything that seems to be even the least bit wrong. Their sense of judgement is clouded by their pride and the alienation of human resources becomes an acceptable behavior because they now believe they are much smarter than everyone else. Pride becomes a barrier. Pride becomes a destructive force and the prideful individual will do damage, perhaps irreparable damage, to the very things that they are seeking to improve such as relationships.

Being proud of accomplishments is fine and should be an exhilarating experience. Working toward and achieving a goal along side other like-minded people is one of the most fulfilling experiences in business and life. When we all pull in the same direction amazing things can be accomplished because we have collectively overcome the obstacles and challenges that were in the way of the desired outcome. A degree of caution needs to be a part of every victory because in the light of winning some people become so enamored with the  "limelight" that they are blinded to the other people in the room! Suddenly the only voice they hear is their own. Pride has taken over their sense of judgement and is leading them down the path of believing they are more valuable that they actually are. One of the classic mistakes any leader can make is to believe, mainly because of pride, is that they are the most important piece of the solved puzzle. Puzzles are uniquely pieced together and every piece is individually crafted to serve a vitally important function.

Take pride in your collective and individual successful accomplishments but do not allow pride to take over your judgment process. "Pride serves to serve only pride"; and that is a dangerous and destructive self-inflicted wound. Be proud, not prideful and be smart enough to learn the difference.