Have you ever met an ego bro?
I have and OMG it is SO cringe-worthy. No one likes an egotistical leader, and it can be a huge turn-off for clients, employees, and customers.
Ego is like a steak that has gone bad - it has a terrible odor, feels bad, and is flat-out disgusting. False confidence is just as bad. You can only fake it once you make it, and your ego will get in the way of your growth.
Confidence, however, is essential for young entrepreneurs to have.
When I'm speaking on stage and I’m feeling confident, I can tell I'm inspiring other women in the room to have confidence. Confidence is intoxicating.
It’s like a foundation that helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses. People respect you when you're confident and expressing your confidence can lead to personal growth, success, positive relationships, and effective communication with others.
On the other hand, ego leads to negative outcomes like decreased performance, strained relationships, and people questioning your authenticity and integrity.
As a young boss, I know how it feels to be underestimated or judged because of my age (and sometimes my gender). My confidence is what sets me apart, but presenting it authentically is what resonates with people.
However, ego is a false sense of superiority or self-importance. Remember you’re not always the hot shit you think you might be - and that’s okay. There will always be rooms where you are the least successful person.
And those are the best rooms to be in because those experiences are what motivate and inspire you to be better, to keep pushing the envelope, taking risks, and growing.
My challenge to you is to think about your persona, how you communicate with others in business, and how you communicate with yourself.
Do you have an ego? Do you lack self-confidence?
Let me know in the comments and remember, your youth is your power.
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And remember, youth is your power.
