Tame The Ego To Achieve Greatness.(MANAGING FOR SUCCESS)(REAL SOLUTIONS)

Byline: Morey Stettner

When Dave Anderson ran a large car dealership group, he'd return from a day off to find employees lining up to see him. They needed to ask his permission and get his approval. He knew something was wrong.

"I managed so that no one could think for themselves, and it was all about me," said Anderson, author of "Up Your Business."

"I'd come back to the office and have to return 12 calls with people checking with me on every little thing. I learned that my ego would stop my career growth," he said.

Anderson decided to remake himself as a leader. Instead of falling into what he calls "the pride-ego trap," he nurtured a team of independent-minded self-starters who could succeed in his absence. Morale and productivity improved.

The main obstacle to effective leadership is a bloated ego, says Anderson, a professional speaker and corporate trainer based in Agoura Hills, Calif. Most would-be leaders sabotage themselves by refusing to listen, rejecting constructive criticism and barking orders without weighing others' input.

It's tough to tame a runaway ego. The key is recognizing the red flags and taking action before pride undermines your leadership.