TRUE TO SELF
By John Ingrisano on Sep 2, 2008 in Quote of the Day
I have a minor problem. My demeanor sometimes exudes arrogance. It’s something of a family trait. Plus, when we do something we’re pleased about, we’re proud of it. No humility here.
The problem? It really ticks some people off. Not that I am trying, but it just happens. But I figured out a long time ago that competent people who respect competence (I have a modicum of this trait, enough to get by and get me in trouble), are the ones who heap praise and offer “atta boys” when I do something right. For many others? Well, they either ignore or denigrate.
My point: Ignore the naysayers. Do what you think is right and do it to the best of your ability. (Crow a little if you like; that’s up to you.) But then forget about those who snarl and find fault. In many respects, the more people complain about you, that’s a good sign you’re doing something right. — jri
“I care not what others think of what
I do, but I care very much about what
I think of what I do: That is character.”
– Teddy Roosevelt
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j_erland | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
I think discovering the line between arrogance and confidence is one of the primary challenges in business sense. I mean, when do you stop being “true to yourself” and start just being stubborn? When you stop being confidence and self-sufficient and just starting being an a-hole? I’ve been in both situations and the latter is never fun, not for yourself or anyone around you.
Have you seen the Gotvmail videos at garybusyonbusiness.com or youtube? I like that an entrepreneurial voicemail company chose as neurotic an individual as Gary Busey to sort of represent them because it speaks to the popular entrepreneurial stereotype. I mean, Busey is also just out of his mind, but consider the particulars of his insanity. He’s in his own world, has wacky ideas, and cannot be controlled or stopped — like a termite eating everything in its path. I think this is a hyperrepresentation of the current “Type A” stereotype that many business owners these days live up to. I used to avoid such behavior because I wanted to keep my friends and enjoy my family. Now I avoid it just to avoid being like Gary Busey…
John R. Ingrisano | Sep 2, 2008 | Reply
Good points, all. Though I’ve always been a bit outspoken, the older I get (still a youthful 57), the less patient I am with foolishness and pure idiocy. Still, I agree, there are times when it just makes good sense (and also helps keep family, friends and clients) to just nod once in a while and say, “That’s nice.” JRI