Self-Importance vs. Self-Ego

All have a claim to self importance. It could be that you have training as a first responder and might have to deal with matters of life and death. It could be that you are very advanced in your profession where people depend on you. My claim to self importance is that within the freelance world there is a heightened expectation of professionalism where you must give a high priority to perform your duties. I work next to CEOs of billion dollar corporations or other prominent performers or dignitaries. I also have directed live TV shows or large meetings where the miscue of hitting the wrong button can make or break a CEO's presentation in front of thousands of people.

Self importance, however, gives no one a right to have a heightened Ego. Those who flaunt their stature for the sake of belittling others loses both integrity and respect. A true compatriot in our society recognises the importance of others around you and gives other the consideration you expect people to give you. Pretty simple, but our Egos love to be bossy and it's easy to let them go when you are in a position of some power. I went through a phase in my life where I thought I was better than others doing video production. I stepped on people's toes and became domineering. I later took a seminar to learn some eastern philosophy and generally how to identify and contain the Ego. Once you can separate who 'You' are and the animal that is the Ego, you can retain all the self importance you possess and not diminish others.

Customer:
"I don't have a reservation but I need a room for tonight"

Hotel clerk:
"I'm sorry we're having a big convention, there are no rooms available"

Customer: (becomes irritated)
"Do you know who I am?”

Hotel Clerk:
"Oh dear". (Clerk picks up a microphone for the hotel PA system and announces).
"Attention, attention, we have gentlemen here who does not know who he is, if you could help identify this man please come to the front desk."