Hubris is defined as a state of overconfident pride and arrogance. Hubris origin descends from the ancient Greeks in describing a belief that one was more powerful then the Gods thus leading to a fatal result. One such example of hubris is Achilles treatment of Hector's body after his defeat in Homer's Iliad (long time ago) by not allowing for a proper ascension to the Gods and claiming the body as his thus defying the Gods. The Gods revealed to the Trojans that Achilles weakness was a arrow to the heal.
The Greek example that has always struck a chord with me in references to hubris is the story of Icarus. His father created a pair of wings made from wax as so his son could escape from King Minos prison. The father told his son to use this tool just for the purposes of escape. Icarus escaped but did not want to heed his fathers advice. As he climbed higher and higher Icarus thought that he was above advice, logic and became increasingly arrogant. However his hubrisitic attitude led to him getting too close to the son thus melting the wings and causing Icarus to fall and perish into the sea...and it now bears his name the Icarian Sea.
Let's use some creativity and examine both of these Greek myths in a modern business sense:
Achilles is now a middle manager...in charge of let's say $5 million in contract value. His senior management gives him direction to accomplish a certain set of guidelines. Achilles feels that he is the"best performer" at the firm and decides that he is above the VP and blows him/her off and goes golfing. The tasks assigned goes unaccomplished and the a serious breach in leadership/command is compromised. As with Achilles being struck down by a arrow (the secret weakness being released by the God/VP) a manager must always strive for success but understand their place in the hierarchy of the firm or be felled by the arrow...
Let's state that Icarus is a new team lead and his PM decides to give him a task that requires strict direction for completion. The period of performance is tight and budget is even tighter...Since wax and budgets do not have the strength or consistency to stand long periods of stress the task (escape or monthly revenue goals) must be met. If they are not the belief that you can keep going without a solid plan( or fly on wax wings) will always cause you to fall...The younger you are as a manager and the less you heed this lesson (i.e. the more arrogant you are) the harder you will fall!
In Management, especially as a young Manager, hubris can be a catastrophic career killer or at the minimum allow for the offender to find another job.
In my opinion there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. A Manager needs to be confident to reassure his team that he is the leader and that the path forward is achievable. However to spit in the face of other Managers or company leadership is arrogant and will most likely cost you your job or at the very least delay your ascension....regardless of the lame brain ideas that senior management comes up with...The solution you ask? Become senior management...keep growing, keep innovating and if necessary find your own niche and form your own company.
Greatest piece of advice I can give you: In a managerial aspect one must never be perceived as being hubristic or arrogant...this is the first nail in your managerial coffin...Be humble yet confident...continue to grow and be successful but plan for the time when you are in the drivers seat...and once you get there remain humble and confident and successful!
The Greek example that has always struck a chord with me in references to hubris is the story of Icarus. His father created a pair of wings made from wax as so his son could escape from King Minos prison. The father told his son to use this tool just for the purposes of escape. Icarus escaped but did not want to heed his fathers advice. As he climbed higher and higher Icarus thought that he was above advice, logic and became increasingly arrogant. However his hubrisitic attitude led to him getting too close to the son thus melting the wings and causing Icarus to fall and perish into the sea...and it now bears his name the Icarian Sea.
Let's use some creativity and examine both of these Greek myths in a modern business sense:
Achilles is now a middle manager...in charge of let's say $5 million in contract value. His senior management gives him direction to accomplish a certain set of guidelines. Achilles feels that he is the"best performer" at the firm and decides that he is above the VP and blows him/her off and goes golfing. The tasks assigned goes unaccomplished and the a serious breach in leadership/command is compromised. As with Achilles being struck down by a arrow (the secret weakness being released by the God/VP) a manager must always strive for success but understand their place in the hierarchy of the firm or be felled by the arrow...
Let's state that Icarus is a new team lead and his PM decides to give him a task that requires strict direction for completion. The period of performance is tight and budget is even tighter...Since wax and budgets do not have the strength or consistency to stand long periods of stress the task (escape or monthly revenue goals) must be met. If they are not the belief that you can keep going without a solid plan( or fly on wax wings) will always cause you to fall...The younger you are as a manager and the less you heed this lesson (i.e. the more arrogant you are) the harder you will fall!
In Management, especially as a young Manager, hubris can be a catastrophic career killer or at the minimum allow for the offender to find another job.
In my opinion there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. A Manager needs to be confident to reassure his team that he is the leader and that the path forward is achievable. However to spit in the face of other Managers or company leadership is arrogant and will most likely cost you your job or at the very least delay your ascension....regardless of the lame brain ideas that senior management comes up with...The solution you ask? Become senior management...keep growing, keep innovating and if necessary find your own niche and form your own company.
Greatest piece of advice I can give you: In a managerial aspect one must never be perceived as being hubristic or arrogant...this is the first nail in your managerial coffin...Be humble yet confident...continue to grow and be successful but plan for the time when you are in the drivers seat...and once you get there remain humble and confident and successful!
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