I have a friend who spent many years working as a TV news reporter. His career earned him access to all sorts of cool places, like professional sporting events, exclusive golf courses, and even Disney World. All of this was offered to him for free, and he started to feel a sense of entitlement. Once he switched careers, the perks dried up. Those places weren’t calling anymore. To him, paying $150 to play golf sounded ludicrous after not paying a dime all those years. He had to wrestle with the fact that he’d come to expect special treatment.
A sense of entitlement is usually hard for leaders to see in themselves, but the people they lead can’t miss it. So, leaders need to look inward. Shifting away from entitlement makes you more approachable, trustworthy, and likable, so it’s worth working on today. Here are 10 signs you have a sense of entitlement.
1. Expecting Special Treatment
Being in charge doesn’t automatically earn you perks. Expecting to get stuff because of your position drives a wedge between you and everyone else. Yes, there is a hierarchy, and the leader is on top, but abusing that position is always wrong. When you act entitled, expect resentment to follow.
What to do instead: Focus on serving others. Put their needs ahead of your own.
2. Lack of Gratitude
Entitled leaders take others’ hard work for granted. This absence of appreciation can demotivate employees, making them feel undervalued and less likely to go the extra mile in the future.
What to do instead: Regularly thank people for their contributions and acknowledge their efforts.
3. Dismissiveness
If a leader never listens to the people he leads, those people will feel dismissed. It’s inconsiderate to think nobody else could possibly offer a helpful perspective. Dismissiveness is dysfunctional and perpetuates blind spots in leaders. Good leaders welcome and accept feedback.
What to do instead: Listen to all perspectives with an open mind.
4. Resistance to Accountability
One thing Coach Tony Dungy would always say is that wins were credited to the team effort and losses landed on him. Leaders are accountable. Resisting this truth alienates the people around you. Acknowledge and own up to your mistakes. The unwillingness to take responsibility sets a poor example and hints you operate on a different standard.
What to do instead: Look in the mirror first when things go wrong.
5. Unrealistic Expectations
You’re entitled if you think you can ask people to accomplish more than is humanly possible. You may think you’re pushing them to be better. What you’re really doing is pushing them away. The people you’re leading won’t feel challenged by your ambition. They’ll feel burdened by your overreach. Know your people well, and ask them to hit achievable goals.
What to do instead: Ask your people what they think they can handle.
6. Abuse of Your Authority
Being an authoritative leader can be healthy, especially when it combines support, good communication, accountability, and respect. But authoritarian relationships never flourish because they are based on manipulation and intimidation. That kind of leadership relies on punishment and dominance to maintain order and, by nature, abuses authority. It’s unhealthy and a clear sign of entitlement.
What to do instead: Treat people with respect and dignity no matter their position.
7. Neglecting Team Needs
Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” What good is it to score 50 points per game and lose? Personal gain doesn’t trump group success. If you have a reputation for serving your own interests and caring less about others, you’re probably entitled.
What to do instead: Adopt a “we not me” mindset.
8. Comparison With Peers
Comparison invites scorn, jealousy, and contempt. If you’re constantly comparing yourself to others, looking for ways to make yourself look superior, entitlement is knocking on your heart.
What to do instead: Genuinely celebrate the achievements of others.
9. Justifying Poor Behavior
Nobody deserves to get away with putting others down, making immoral decisions, or showing disrespect. Every time we try to put ourselves above others, we give ourselves permission to justify our bad behavior. Once that pattern is started, it is hard to reverse it.
What to do instead: Ask someone to hold you accountable for your words and actions, and to call you out if you’re behaving improperly.
10. Not Trustworthy
Don’t rely on your position to earn trust. If you break promises, share confidential information, or lack transparency, kiss trust goodbye. Don’t assume others owe you trust. Earn it with your actions.
What to do instead: Follow through on your word.
Have you ever worked with someone who had a sense of entitlement? Share in a comment.
