ILLUSORY SUPERIORITY

 

ILLUSORY SUPERIORITY

Many of us think we are better than we are. It is very difficult to accept someone else is better than us. The phenomenon is termed illusory superiority. The super intelligent too are susceptible to it.

When you work in transient positions, you are shifted to locations far and near in frequent intervals.  Wherever you are there would be the subordinates who remain, where they join,  till retirement.

As time wears on, they assume they alone know everything. The illusory superiority they evince gets the better of you. You start craving for appreciation from them for whatever you do even though you are the boss. You go wrong here. You are in charge.  You have to run the show.  The mandate you have is from your superiors. You have to derive appreciation from them for your performance.

If you wish to succeed never stack your subordinates with an illusory superiority alien to them. The balance is delicate. There are areas where they are much better off. Seek from them wherever they are ahead. Never play spoilsport letting your ego saddle you with an illusory superiority over the rest.

The phenomenon of illusory superiority is not by any means bad. When we rate ourselves highly we tend to become more positive, optimistic and resilient.  But when we are set aside or overlooked in a competition or in the selection for a placement, it leads to a sense of injustice that can be destructive.

Condition your mind to accept you were rejected not because the boss or the selector was a raving lunatic, but because you were not good enough.

The realization is the impetus for your own improvement.

The Greatest, Matthew Syed