Ego pursues self-worth through social recognition at the expense of authenticity.

It shuts off emotion to the detriment of decision making and critical thinking. Shame is a major threat to ego. Ego inadvertently creates disconnection in its pursuit against it. Authenticity is a primary life pursuit, which ego attempts to counter. Ego creates many defensive behaviors that harm connectivity. Anxiety drives ego to negative reactions. Lack of psychological safety creates ego-defensive behaviors in individuals and groups. Connection puts ego at ease. Ego is the shadow side of status pursuit. Protects beliefs. Shame compounds.rB1


  1. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts (New York: Random House, 2018). (See notes.)