SCORE Leading Without Ego: What Undermines Leadership

Description

Leadership challenges are often driven by subtle, ego-based behaviors that go unrecognized but have significant impact. This session explores how ego shows up in leadership decisions, communication, and reactions particularly under pressure. Participants learn to identify patterns such as defensiveness, control, and image management, understand why these behaviors persist, and recognize their effect on trust and team performance. The session focuses on building self-awareness and replacing reactive tendencies with intentional leadership behaviors that support clarity, accountability, and stronger working relationships. Talking Points a. How ego shows up in leadership decisions and reactions b. Subtle behaviors that erode trust (control, defensiveness, validation-seeking) c. Why high-performing leaders are especially vulnerable to ego-driven patterns d. The hidden cost of protecting image over outcomes e. Replacing ego-driven responses with intentional leadership behaviors Our Presenter, Wendy Tolbert Wendy Tolbert is the co-founder of Tolbert Consulting Group LLC, where she helps organizations align strategy, optimize execution, and heal workplace culture for sustainable success. With over 25 years in the technology industry, she combines technical expertise with a passion for building healthier, more effective teams. Her work spans portfolio, program, and project management, PMO leadership, audits, and optimization, always with a people-first approach. As a coach and speaker, Wendy delivers team-1:1 and team coaching, team building workshops, leadership development training, and keynote sessions on toxic workplace healing & renewal and emotional intelligence for sales kickoffs, conferences, conventions, and retreats. She is also the author of Fiddlehorn at Work: Book 1 of the Fiddlehorn Chronicles, a spiritual allegory exploring the roots and impacts of toxic workplace culture in modern work environments. Wendy holds an MS in Computer and Information Systems and multiple project management industry certifications. She loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and spontaneous adventures. She values genuine connections and believes we are better together when we show up as our authentic selves