Connect English

Whether you’re a teacher, a trainer, a DoS, a coordinator, or in any other leadership role in education, ego can quietly shape how we relate to others and how we are perceived.
In our field, where collaboration, communication, and compassion are essential, unchecked ego can become a real obstacle.

As Ryan Holiday writes in Ego is the Enemy:
“Ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others. Of building loyalty and support.”

In my experience as an ELICOS teacher, teacher trainer, DoS, I’ve seen how ego can:
* Block growth by making us resist feedback
* Create distance between teachers and managers
* Lead us to defend decisions instead of reflecting on them
* Push us to compete rather than collaborate
* Prevent us from truly listening – to learners, colleagues, or ourselves

But when we recognise ego and take a step back, something powerful happens:
✅ Conversations become more open
✅ Classrooms become safer spaces
✅ Teams become stronger
✅ Reflection becomes possible

This doesn’t mean we have to lose confidence, only that we lead and teach with humility, curiosity, and self-awareness. Because in education (and everywhere else), it’s not about being right, it’s about doing right by the people we serve.

So today’s reminder (to myself, too):
> Let’s not let ego get in the way of connection, progress, and care.

Have you noticed how ego shows up in your context – as a manager, trainer, or teacher?
What helps you stay grounded?