Eliminate Ignorance, Arrogance and Stubbornness

In Cajun cooking, every dish begins with the Holy Trinity: equal parts carrots, onions and celery. The Holy Trinity is a take-off from French cooking, which uses similar ingredients in different combinations to make what’s called a Mirepoix. In many ways, preparing delicious food is similar to preparing to become a great leader. There are basic foundations that each must possess.

However, certain ingredients must be used in extreme moderation, if at all. They are:

• Ignorance

• Arrogance

• Stubbornness

If we are not careful, these can become a larger part of our core identity. Stubbornness, for example, isn’t always a bad quality. As history has shown, people can do the right thing by remaining steadfast in their beliefs. Take General Charles de Gaulle, who refused to admit defeat after Nazi Germany overran France. Against overwhelming odds, he persuaded the French that they would ultimately prevail. His unwavering belief in the greatness of his country helped him turn his vision into reality.

But when stubbornness is combined with arrogance and ignorance, it becomes toxic. Arrogance and ignorance are two negative qualities that we should eliminate from our leadership arsenal. Arrogance is an exaggerated sense of one’s importance or abilities. Ignorance is the lack of information, knowledge, understanding or education.

Too often, arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand. Arrogance can lead a person to ignore something important, and ignorance of other’s abilities and talents can also make a person arrogant.

When mixing the right blend for leadership, ignorance and arrogance must be removed to allow for the right amount of stubbornness.

We are the chefs of our leadership style, and like all great cooks, we need the right ingredients in the perfect amounts. Only with the right recipe and the right combinations can we develop our own authentic Holy Trinity.