Shining A Light

22 Jan Shining A Light

I wrote a version of this years ago – specific to the business world and egotism – probably because I saw so many careers compromised.

As I reflect on the world we live in now I believe its utility is even greater.  Arrogance seems to have become a core competency for a great many.

So if we could place a thought bubble above your head for all to see – as you watch the evening news – or walk into your place of business – or deal with your local school board….how often would one of the comments below flash in neon letters?

• “You somehow have concluded that you have never, ever been wrong – you’re wrong.”
• “If you really believe you’re always the smartest person in the room then you’re either delusional – or always in the wrong room.”
• “WHO you are speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you’re saying.”
• “We’re having the doors widened – it’s to accommodate the size of your head.”
• ” ‘I don’t know’ aren’t curse words.”
• ” ‘What do you think?’ isn’t an admission of weakness.”
• “Listening is a super power. You should try it.”
• “You probably aren’t going to fix things by breaking everybody else down.”
• “The people you surround yourself with tell you what you want to hear – you need a few that will tell you the truth.”
• “Only really small people work this hard to make themselves big.”
• “There’s a difference between knowledge and wisdom – you may or may not be smart enough to figure that out.”
• “You actually believe people love you. No, they tolerate you.”
• “Humility and confidence are not on opposite ends of the spectrum.”
• “I repeat…listening is a super power.”
• “The sound of your voice is mesmerizing to only one person…take a guess.”
• “Before I will follow you I must believe in you – and know that you believe in me.”
• “Compassion and trust are pretty good things. But you have to offer them before they’re offered to you.”
• “Yeah, your words can be powerful – but not nearly as powerful as your actions.”
• “When you allow the people around you to grow stronger then you grow stronger. The opposite is equally true.”
• “Listening is really, really, really a superpower.”

Some may read the above and interpret the various quotes as just put-downs.

Maybe.  But interspersed is a great deal of practical advice all of us might consider from time to time.

Feel free to use as needed.

Thought bubbles are benign.

Actions aren’t.

Maybe one of these will help shine a light for the egomaniac in your life.

And perhaps for each of us.