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“Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.” quote by Colin Powell
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“Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.”

Colin Powell

About This Quote

Source Speech: Leadership Address, 2005

Do not let pride become so tied to status that loss of position destroys self‑worth.

In simple terms: Keep ego separate from rank.

Key Takeaway

Maintain humility regardless of rank.

Themes

humility leadership resilience

Mood

cautious confident

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career setbacks
  • organizational change
  • public scrutiny

Key Concepts

self‑esteem power dynamics identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps keep your self‑value independent of title?
  • How do you handle status loss?
A Different Perspective

Ego may still influence decisions subtly.

3.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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