There is a natural tendency on the part of some people to think that what they do is more important than what others do in an organization. Some of these people are simply ego maniacs who live in a fantasy world of sorts where they are in some way superior to everyone else. We talk often about leaving the excess ego at the door when you come to work in the morning. It is difficult for these people to do that. Keep in mind that most ego maniacs are typically covering up for some form of insecurity. If you want to be an effective supervisor, it's critical that you understand what attributes are important to your success and the success of your team.

There's no question that the human ego is at the root of a number of problems in businesses everywhere. Egos range from almost none to out of control. A little ego is okay since it helps with confidence levels. But to allow an ego to run out of control to the point where problems occur only because of someone else or the only right answer is your answer is a prescription for major trouble.

People with runaway egos often are in denial about their behavior. They see themselves as tremendous employees or managers with few, if any, faults. The result of this type of attitude is resentment from fellow employees. Employees will be less likely to open up to the ego-centric employee and will often try to undermine them or work against them to show them up. Ego can have a devastating effect on team work and productivity.

A manager or owner with a giant ego will often alienate his/her employees. Big egos can lead to lashing out at employees to make a point. And the ego can force managers and owners to make decisions that feed the ego. Those decisions might be good for the individual's self-image, but bad for the business in some way.

Take a look at your ego. How do fellow employess view you? Do they seem to open up to you or do they keep their distance? Do you feel that you always need to be right? Can you easily say "I made a mistake"? Do you feel secure about your abilities? Or do you in any way come across as superior to others in order to overcome some insecurity?

If you have been told that you are arrogant or stand-offish, try to change the way you come across to others. Smile more. Take an interest in others. Don't talk constantly about yourself. Take blame when necessary. Try to be more genuine and sincere. Don't live in a world that's all about you.

Show concern for others and help them with issues when warranted. Give them credit when deserved. Watch you body language carefully. How you carry yourself says a lot about how you view the world and others. Do your best to leave most of your excess ego at the door when you come to work.