Aweh dearly beloved fellow ruminants & groupies
The term “hubris” finds its origin in ancient Greek literature and philosophy, where it was perceived as a dangerous quality capable of invoking the wrath of the gods. Hubris is characterised by excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence, often leading to a disregard for the feelings, opinions, or warnings of others.
While it may be convenient and simplistic to conclude that hubris is inherently negative, it could be likened to the force in the Star Wars universe – possessing both a light and a dark side. Hubris can empower a leader, fostering confidence, inspiration, entrepreneurship, and the ability to take calculated risks. However, for sustained success, is it necessary to balance hubris with humility and a willingness to listen to others?
What happens if you enjoy a streak of success? People start to admire and praise you and it is easy to be taken in by your own success and magnificence. You really can walk on water. However, how individuals handle criticism can shape their destiny. The all-knowing and infinitely wise Yoda had this to say, “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will”. If your streak of success continues your hubris can multiply. For some, there may never be a day of reckoning and you might even enjoy two terms as the President of the United States and go to your grave surrounded by your admirers. For others, a fall from grace looms. Which option awaits Donald Trump?
What are some of the warning signs of the dark side of hubris in a leader? There are many but let’s start with the grandiose monument. In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree. What could be better than building a monument to yourself? Trump has done that. As a CEO or leader, you don’t even need to use your own money. The wickedly funny and underappreciated satirist, C. Northcote Parkinson, wrote a short book in 1955 entitled, “Parkinson’s law and other studies in administration”. For those of you who don’t subscribe to conventional wisdom, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
One of the chapters deals with Parkinson’s law of buildings which is stated as follows, “…a perfection of planned layout is achieved only by institutions on the point of collapse… Perfection of planning is a symptom of decay. During a period of exciting discovery or progress, there is not time to plan the perfect headquarters. The time for that comes later when all the important work has been done.” By 1933, the precursor to the United Nations, the League of Nations, was considered largely defunct. In 1937, it moved into a lavish new headquarters called the Palace of Nations. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has struggled with an identity crisis. In 2018, it moved operations into a massive new headquarters in Belgium.
The grand new headquarters is not usually perceived negatively. Giving the best architects free rein and a large budget to create something impressive and cutting-edge is seen as a symbol of success. Architectural awards and glowing feature articles in architectural magazines follow. Everyone congratulates you on being able to work in such magnificent surroundings which will increase productivity and create value. Because management cares they have created this beautiful space for you. Everyone who visits the building is impressed.
But does a darker reality potentially lurk beneath the surface? Could this monument to itself be a leading indicator of decline? Does it potentially reflect a shift in the organisation’s needs from customers and those it serves to an internal focus, grandiosity, and a detachment from reality? Perhaps not always but in many cases is Parkinson right? The announcement of the grand new headquarters might be a signal for you to reevaluate whether this company should be removed from your portfolio.
Another crucial indicator of the dark side of hubris is the deterioration of relationships with shareholders and stakeholders. Dissenting voices may be dismissed as ignorant or misinformed, reflecting a lack of openness to alternative perspectives and looming problems. You can retreat into your magnificent castle.
Doesn’t someone who bloviates and pontificates on his own unedited blog also display hubris? Of course. Don’t all the best people display some hubris? If there was no hubris in the world, I would suggest there would be little progress and the world would be a very boring place. Do you ideally need a Goldilocks amount of hubris? Dearly beloved readers how much hubris do you display? Do I display a Goldilocks amount of hubris? Is my proposed Goldilocks theory of hubris only for the little people? Aren’t the really successful people unconstrained by limits on their hubris? How else do you explain Donald Trump and Elon Musk? Dearly beloved readers because I like to think I have a Goldilocks amount of hubris I look to you to answer these questions.
I want to express my gratitude for all the ideas and comments received. I genuinely appreciate them, and please continue to share your thoughts.
Regards
Bruce
Ruminant Pink Friday 