Damn it, sometimes we are (useless, awesome) on our own
And it feels great to get something done (in spite of, because of) that.
We get to pat ourselves on the head, do a little dance, and feel better about what we do because of that.
And that is why we do it; we do it for us.
Don’t try to rationalize it. Don’t try to talk about the greater good. And definitely, don’t say you did it for the team.
When we do things on our own, outside of the movies, we are doing it because of our ego.
Full stop.
Even if the outcome helps others, the narrative that we tell ourselves in private is one of me, me, me.
Coaches, mentors, and experts give us a different road.
Why?
Because if we utilize them (the good and great ones, at least), we have to communicate the what, who, why, and how at every step of the journey, and where that leaves us.
In the end, since you’ve shared the wins and losses, it stops being about you and starts being about the what, who, why, and how. You depersonalize yourself and get closer to shared objectivity.
You start saying we, us, the team instead of me, me, me. And if you wish to lead, that better be the default, or else you are lying to those you serve.
Ego is damned.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 