The standard can stay high while the ego softens

Lowering the ego does not require lowering the standard.

Work can still be examined rigorously. Weak reasoning can still be challenged. A missed commitment can still have consequences.

The difference is that criticism no longer needs to prove the leader is the smartest person in the room. The goal becomes improving the work rather than winning the exchange.

This is especially difficult for people whose identity has been rewarded for having the answer. It is also where leadership begins to become larger than personal performance.