The Dangers of Contingent Self-Esteem

The Leader Factor

This week, our hosts navigate through an extensive amount of research literature to come to some conclusions on self-esteem and how to approach it. When we rely on external factors to determine our self-esteem, we open ourselves up to dangerous perspectives. This kind of contingent self-esteem can lead to chronic insecurity in leaders, which gets in the way of their ability to lead effectively and can have detrimental effects on individuals and organizations. In the episode, Tim and Junior suggest three ways to develop a healthier sense of self-worth and tell us which definition of self-esteem they think works best.

Takeaways

• Self-esteem is a complex concept that encompasses self-competence and self-liking.
• Contingent self-esteem is dependent on external factors and can be detrimental to well-being.
• The measurement of self-esteem can be assessed using scales such as the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.
• Contingent self-esteem can impact decision-making, relationships, and emotional health.
• The influence of social media has led to the emergence of image-based contingent self-esteem.
• Contingent self-esteem is linked to vulnerability to negative emotions such as depression and anxiety. Beware the dangers of contingent self-esteem and the negative impact it can have on personal well-being and leadership effectiveness.
• Personal experiences can shape one's self-esteem, and it is important to recognize and challenge negative influences.
• Contingent self-esteem can lead to chronic insecurity in leaders, hindering their ability to lead effectively.
• Pathological self-esteem, characterized by narcissism and hubris, can have detrimental effects on individuals and organizations.
• Develop a healthier sense of self-worth by finding your intrinsic motivation, celebrating effort rather than outcomes, and promoting self-compassion.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Overview

(00:50) The Complexity of Self-Esteem

(06:04) Measurement of Self-Esteem

(09:19) The Impact of Self-Esteem on Decision-Making and Well-Being

(12:07) Introduction to Contingent Self-Esteem

(16:37) The Destructive Nature of Contingent Self-Esteem

(21:23) The Influence of Social Media on Contingent Self-Esteem

(22:26) Assessment of Contingent Self-Esteem

(25:13) The Link Between Contingent Self-Esteem and Negative Emotions

(25:58) Beware the dangers of contingent self-esteem

(33:38) Contingent self-esteem and its negative effects on leadership

(43:39)Tactics for developing a healthier sense of self-worth

(47:35) Find your why

(49:00) Celebrate effort, not outcomes

(50:53) Promote a healthy dose of self-compassion