At What Point Does Personal Ambition Get in the Way of Being a Great Leader?

Your personal ambition was a huge part of what got you to where you are now. There is a point in your career, however, when you need to make some choices. If you don’t, the tension between ambition and responsibility can easily get complicated.

Leaders are expected to perform logically, creatively, effectively, and for the good of the company first, all the time. There has to be a balance between personal ambition and leadership responsibilities, just like there has to be a balance between your personal relationships and work. To determine if your personal ambition is getting in the way of your leadership success, ask yourself a few key questions.

Does your style fulfill their needs as well as your own? 

Every leader has a unique style shaped by experiences and values. You had leaders ahead of you whose work ethic and communication style made a huge impact. To this day, you likely emulate the attributes that resonated. 

The people who look to you for guidance, whether peers or younger generations, might respond differently than you did. Differences in generational communication, working environments, and financial priorities today versus even ten years ago are just part of the challenge. The style you employ works best for you, but it could cause issues with how others receive your message. It is crucial to understand the impact your style has on your team. Regular assessments can ensure self-awareness and awareness of your team.

Do your standards help or hurt the end result?

There are leaders who pay attention to how tasks are getting done and expect nothing less than a specific process and end result (read: micromanagement). There comes a point at which a keen eye on perfection gets in the way of progress. Other leaders are too focused on their own goals, to the point which they are neglecting their teams. 

Too much or too little, either way, can result in resentment, disengagement, and eroding trust. Once you hit the point of pushback from your team, you will need a program to rebuild company culture. Welcoming feedback and diverse work styles is a great step toward correcting the course.

How does personal ambition play into your leadership responsibilities?

All great leadership takes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, confidence, and adaptability. Balancing personal drive and team performance can be a gray area. This can be true at any point in your career – whether you are working to level up or nearing the end of a long and successful career. The definition of competitiveness changes.

The key is to channel ambition in ways that benefit yourself, the individuals you lead, and the organization. It can be endlessly fulfilling to lift up those around you, even if it means taking a half step back or to the side. Again, self-awareness can make a big difference. If, after soul searching, you determine that your personal ambitions no longer align with your team or organization’s needs, it may be time to move on to your next challenge.

Do you have an objective outlet?

Navigating the complexities of personal goals, leadership styles, and organizational effectiveness can be tricky and daunting. This is where objective, experienced, and trusted advice can be invaluable. Identifying blind spots, refining your approach, evolving conflict management strategies, and pinpointing motivations can provide great benefits.

Liddell Consulting Group has worked with leaders, leadership teams, and organizations since 2002. Highly effective leaders consistently challenge themselves and those around them, but have a clear view of what the results may be. Connect with us today to discuss where you are in your leadership journey and how we can help you take the best next steps.