"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity."

~ Frank Leahy, University of Notre Dame Football Coach...when they were good, 1908-1973

Last week I got to witness the extremes of business attitude. In one seminar to a small group of seasoned salespeople, I watched in awe as the leader of the group made calls on his phone, and three other "been there, done thats" checked their Blackberries and typed away on their laptops as I was talking about the importance of—get this—listening skills!

During that same week, I had the opportunity to interview a gentleman by the name of Jerry Stead, who has been the chairman and CEO of Square D, NCR, Legent, and Ingram Micro. He took the latter business from $6 billion to $30 billion in just four years! In one of his businesses, he had more than 100,000 employees under him! When I asked him what he thought it took to be successful in business, he said.”humility,” noting, "Humble people are never comfortable and never stop listening and learning. Egotism closes your ears and destroys your curiosity to improve. Plus, it's easy to compete against."

As I sat on a plane last Friday, thinking about what I learned during the week, it was pretty clear. Once we think we "have this thing down pat" we
are COOKED. Not only will we risk having our humble competition pass us, but we risk coming off like an egomaniac. And egomaniacs have a hard time selling their solutions.

So this week, turn up the humility by opening your ears and your eagerness to learn. Oh. and don't forget to pay attention in that meeting you are dreading. You just might learn the hidden secrets to becoming a top performer!

 To listen to Brian interview leadership author and seven-time "humble" CEO on his weekly “Entrepreneurial Moments” radio show, part of Kansas City Small Business Monthly’s “Business Hour” lineup on 1510AM, visit http://www.preciseselling.com/Radio.htm