Several years ago while conducting research on leadership, I read an article by Dee Hock, founder and former CEO of VISA, that altered my perceptual landscape. The article was entitled “The Art of Chaordic Leadership.” I found it one of the most insightful and compelling takes on leadership I’ve ever read. His concepts continue to influence me today.
I want to share one specific quote that seems very appropriate for our times. It refers to what I call “The Four Devouring Beasts.”
Mr Hock wrote, “Ego, Envy, Avarice, and Ambition: Four beasts that inevitably devour their keeper. Harbor them at your peril, for although you expect to ride on their back, you will end up in their belly.”
Let’s examine what makes each of these potentially dangerous by looking at definitions for them.
- Ego – is defined as your idea or opinion of yourself, especially your feeling of your own importance. Do you see how Ego can become a Beast? The more self-aggrandizing, the more imperiled we become . . . and the more others with whom we interact are adversely affected.
- Envy – is defined as a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or good fortune. The problem with envy is that when it is unchecked, it devours decency. When decency disappears, corruption flourishes.
- Avarice – is defined as excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain. The inherent danger here lies in the insatiable nature of the desire. As avarice grows it absorbs the person rendering him/her incapable of seeing humanity or demonstrating humanity.
- Ambition- more accurately called ambition to a fault – is defined as pursuit of goals unchecked by moral constraints. When ambition of this type takes over, the populace is trampled in a stampede of insensitivity.
I am hopeful that we can build a sense of self that embraces diversity, encourages compassion and ensures equal opportunity. Otherwise, we might find ourselves in the belly of the four devouring beasts.
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
