What does it mean to let go of the ego in communication?

The ego represents our self-confidence and often also our pride. It is the inner voice that tells us that we are right, that our opinion is the most important and that we need to be heard and respected. While a healthy level of ego is important to have self-confidence, an overly strong ego can negatively impact communication. When we let our ego dominate conversations, we tend to not listen properly, react defensively and amplify conflict.

Why the ego is an obstacle in communication

• Misunderstandings and conflicts: A strong ego can lead to us not recognizing the perspectives of others, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  Misunderstandings and conflicts arise. We are not in resonance with ourselves.
• Lack of empathy: If we are too focused on our own ego, we find it difficult to recognize the feelings and needs of our fellow human beings.
  to recognize and understand the other person.
• Reduced teamwork: In a professional context, a strong ego can affect cooperation and team spirit, as it reduces the team spirit.
  Sharing ideas and constructive criticism is made more difficult. Resources are wasted unnecessarily and the focus is less on sustainability than on the problem itself.
• Less willingness to learn: A big ego can prevent us from accepting new ideas and feedback, as we feel stuck in our own
  feel trapped in my opinion. I'm just going to do it like this and call it a day!

Strategies to minimize ego in communication

• 1. active listening: One of the most important techniques for reducing ego is active listening. This means listening to the other person
  without immediately interrupting or contributing your own opinions. It helps to hear the other person's perspective.
  and contributes significantly to a culture of trust.
• 2. openness and flexibility: Be open to new ideas and willing to change your mind when new information or perspectives are presented. Flexibility shows that you are willing to learn and grow.
• 3. develop empathy: Take the 2nd position for once, meta-level, put yourself in the other person's shoes. Ask yourself how you feel
  if you were in the other position. Empathy helps to make communication more human and respectful.
• 4. self-reflection: Take time regularly to reflect on your own behavior and communication. Ask yourself whether your ego played a role and how you can react better in the future.
• 5. accepting and giving constructive feedback: Learning to see feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than interpreting it as a personal attack. I also give constructive feedback to others without coming across as lecturing.