How to Avoid The Casualties of Selfish Ambition
Selfish Ambition and Healthy Relationships don’t co-exist.
A few years back I was at a gathering where they were honoring some of the top developers in my industry. There were two men that were honored, and they painted such a stark contrast to one another. The first presentation was filled with pictures of the honoree and his family who were present to enjoy his accolades. They displayed a tight knit group who were there to celebrate together. The second, was a beautiful presentation of buildings but no family there to celebrate with him. I enquired to find out more of his story only to learn that they were not on good terms with him and that his success had been at the expense of his family.
This experience has stuck with me and been a visible reminder to me to remember what has real value in my life. Almost all of us must work, and it is good to pursue success however our relationships are so important and are the things that create richness in our lives.
The notion of ambition in business is nether good or bad. However, when that ambition is driven by selfish motivation, it creates an atmosphere that is hostile, full of strife and potentially dysfunctional. Certainly, the individual may benefit but at what cost?
The word translated “selfish ambition” in the bible is eritheia and it is quite a descriptive word. It implies doing something with bad motives, creating rivalry. It means to put oneself forward at the expense of others and suggests a factious motive. It is divisive and sectarian,acting for one's own gain, regardless of the discord or strife it causes. The bible warns us about selfish ambition and connects its presence to all manner of negative consequences. One area of life that selfish ambition impacts is our relationships. It is impossible for selfish ambition and healthy relationships to coexist.
“You don't build a business, you build people, and then those people build the business.”
Zig Ziglar
James 3:16 highlights how teamwork and unity suffer when someone’s ambition is self-focused:
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. NLT
…They do every kind of wrong thing to get what they want. They confuse and upset people.Worldwide English Translation
Rivalries
When we operate out of selfish ambition we create rivalries. They disrupt unity and create discord. The contention that a rivalry creates is multi-faceted. It can create a rivalry for time and attention, this has severe consequences on families that thrive when those elements are present. In the workspace selfish ambition creates competitive rivalries that left unchecked can lead to underhand behavior and a cutthroat climate that is seldom enjoyable to be in. Selfish ambition undermines teamwork and promotes a win-lose environment. The “win at all costs” mentality is short sighted in the world of business. Long term success comes through collaboration, building relationship and service.
“If you make a sale, you make a living. If you make an investment of time and good service in a customer, you can make a fortune.”
Jim Cohn