Hubris definition: Hubris (also hybris) means extreme haughtiness or arrogance. Hubris often indicates a loss of touch with reality and overestimating one's own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power.
Jim Collins in his recent book "How the Mighty Fall" talks about the ingredients that go into the failure of companies. One of the first things he notes is Hubris born of Success. He outlines that one of the many things that goes into the failure of once great companies is this sense that they can do no wrong and that they are above failure. There is no doubt that leadership requires risk. It is the heart and spirit behind risk taking that is important.
It is an age old principle of pride coming before a fall. It is sad when the success of a leader causes them to fall into the trap of pride, arrogance and carelessness. Much better to remain humble remember from whence we have come.
