We have begun to enviously celebrate the character flaws of our so called heroes. More sadly we emulate their achievements. We seem to hope that by acting like these idols, we too can be rich, powerful and
famous just like them.
Think of that person you so admire, the one whose
lifestyle awakens your envious longings and consider whether these
characteristics occur frequently in their life?
- Arrogance –
Confidence oozes from every pore, actually if you
take a closer look it is arrogance! He no longer listens to others, what he says goes and blow the rest. People around him stop telling him the truth
because they don't want to get shut down. Let’s pray he is as good as he thinks
he is because he really is on his own!
- Ladder-climbing –
He is never satisfied. And while it's healthy to
want to do your best, his discontent and sleeplessness makes him tired and
joyless as he compares himself to everyone else. No matter how much he has, it
will never be enough! Eventually he will have a tough time getting others to
join his grand crusade once he hits the top. They will know that he only
cares about himself and the daggers will be out.
- Perfectionism –
We all want to excel but he really believes he is a
perfectionist. Even the most basic task becomes a major stressor. People around
him start to cover up and avoid taking risks because they are afraid of his
persistent criticism. Creativity will die and the organization will slow down
as team members second guess their work.
- Calculation –
You get the feeling that you’re in a game of
shadows, a corporate episode of Survivor. You feel like you’re always
trying to guess what angle he's playing (Ted Harro). He is a user and an abuser
and the fear of hearing those words, “the tribe has spoken” are constantly with
each employee. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes he is so charming.......but it always has a price tag attached.
- Entitlement –
“Everyone, tighten your belts, it is time to
consolidate.” But, of course, that does not go for him. He is quite happy to continue travelling
around the world and will purchase that new car. I guess he believed all of those people who told
him he was special his whole life.
- Ruthlessness –
He seems to be decisive and firm but he always
comes first therefore others are disposable. He is a proverbial jerk. He does not care if he impacts your family
life, if he needs you he will demand your time! You really get the feeling that
he indulges in the thrill of intimidating others. This is power to him!
Okay...now do we really want to
emulate the idol/hero? Research has identified that
these characteristics are on the increase.
Don’t be a casualty!
All looks
bright and shiny on the outside but behind the scenes he has left a path of
destruction...look closely, the diamond is flawed.
“Character is like a tree and
reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the
real thing.”
- Abraham Lincoln
References:
Haro, T: Six Celebrated Flaws, Huffington Post
Simon, George K: Character Disturbance: the phenomenon of
our age, 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment