Learn how ego and politics derail progress—and how project managers can lead with clarity, communication, and collaboration to keep projects on track.
“Ego is not a substitute for leadership.”
~ Peter Drucker
Project management knowledge, skills, and practices are just as vital today as they’ve ever been—and that’s not changing anytime soon. For every successful project, there’s another that never makes it across the finish line.
There are many reasons why projects fail, but in most cases, something was either missed or not done well. I call these organizational “PileUps.”
Common PileUps include:
- Poorly defined scope
- Ineffective support from leadership
- Lack of communication and stakeholder engagement
- Egomania and political infighting
- Unrealistic project schedules
- Deficiencies or noncompliance in processes, policies, and procedures
- Shortage of adequate resources
In large organizations—especially those with many layers of management—egomania and political infighting are among the most damaging PileUps of all. Ego, in this sense, is the image we build of ourselves: our titles, roles, and reputations. But when ego takes over, people often put their own interests above the team’s goals.
We see this play out at the highest levels of leadership. The current political administration serves as a clear reminder that when leaders allow ego and power struggles to dominate, progress grinds to a halt. Critical initiatives stall, communication breaks down, and instead of collaboration, we witness public division and internal gridlock.
The same pattern happens inside organizations of every size. When personal agendas outweigh shared objectives, projects lose momentum, morale suffers, and the focus shifts from outcomes to egos.
Individuals with oversized egos can slow down progress, dismiss new ideas, or create unnecessary friction just to prove a point. And when several people with that same mindset need to collaborate, you’re more likely to see tension than teamwork.
The Project Manager’s Role
As a Project Manager and leader, your real superpower is communication. You set the tone. You guide the conversation. You help everyone see the bigger picture when egos get in the way.
That takes more than technical know-how—it takes emotional intelligence, patience, and persuasion. Use your enthusiasm and your natural ability to connect with people to bring them together. Listen more. React calmly. Communicate with purpose.
When people feel respected and included, they’re more likely to “check their egos at the door” and focus on the mission. That’s where real leadership shows up—and where great projects succeed.
Whether it’s the workplace or the White House, unchecked ego and internal politics can bring progress to a standstill. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
As project managers and leaders, we set the example for how collaboration should look. We can choose clarity over chaos, communication over competition, and teamwork over titles. It starts with how we show up — how we listen, how we lead, and how we treat the people who help us deliver results.
The next time tension rises or pride takes center stage, take a breath. Redirect the focus back to purpose and progress. Remind your team what you’re all working toward and why it matters. When people feel heard, respected, and valued, they respond differently — with energy, integrity, and commitment.
That’s how projects thrive.
That’s how strong teams grow.
And that’s how true leadership reveals itself — one conversation, one collaboration, one ego-check at a time.
Recommended Reading
For more strategies on avoiding project “PileUps,” explore Evelyn’s best-seller:
👉 Project Management with Ease and Purpose
Learn how to apply your project management knowledge, skills, and strategies to master the who, what, when, where, why, and how of every task—while avoiding the common pitfalls that derail so many projects.
Better management is only a few pages away. With real-life examples and practical advice, Brooks helps you move forward with vision and purpose.
✍️ About the Author
Evelyn D. Brooks is an entrepreneur, author, and professional project manager with over 30 years of experience in systems analysis, quality assurance, and leadership training. She is the founder of Core Project Management Essentials, LLC and creator of PMTeacher.com — an online learning platform designed to help professionals strengthen their project management and AI integration skills.
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