When Ego Shows Up: How Ego Can Edge Good Out in the Boardroom

In this episode, Craig and Dawn tackle ego—with a twist—using the mnemonic E.G.O. = "Edge Good Out." The conversation centers on how a lack of self-awareness around strengths can allow ego to surface in board settings, quietly eroding trust, culture, and effectiveness. Drawing from decades of leadership and personality work, the hosts show how serving in one's strengths helps teams soar together and creates real alignment.

🚩 How Ego Shows Up (and Why It Matters) Eye rolls, snickering, side-eye, and side conversations that disarm others

Disengagement (phones out, missed agenda items) that disrespects staff preparation

Power dynamics and "voting blocks" formed outside the room

A need to be right that fuels defensiveness and confirmation bias

Decisions made in advance—silencing voices and undermining governance

Scarcity thinking around money or resources that constricts mission impact

Staff are watching. Peers are watching. Ego-driven behavior signals misalignment—and can be a sign it's time for a member to reassess their service, especially on a governing board with fiduciary duties.

⚖️ Ego, Power & Culture Ego can kill culture—silencing people, stripping equity from conversations, and making peers feel unsafe to speak. When fear enters the room, governance leaves it.

🌱 Replacing Ego with Mission & Abundance Chair as Facilitator: Invite all voices, elevate quieter members, and keep discussions collaborative.

Mission First: When conflict arises, return to purpose and equity of access to the mission.

Abundance Mindset: Move from "do the most with the least" to "do the most with the most—so we can help even more."