Comprehension
The dictionary defines ‘ego’ as “your idea or opinion of yourself, especially your feelings of your self-importance and ability.” In itself, nothing sounds problematic. In fact, this ability to know oneself is always an advantage — a reality check that is vital for our own contentment as well as for our relationships with others. Then, only an ignorant person or a liar would claim to have no ego, for we all have one. It is a part of our psychological structure. The problem occurs when we allow this sense of self to start ballooning, into being an egotist — then it not only becomes a leadership derailer but also creates havoc in the personal and professional lives of those who have to work with such people. The more senior the leaders are, the more they are at the risk of stepping into the black hole area. The reason is that given our cultural deference (often fear) of hierarchy, employees further down the corporate ladder think it unsafe to tell their leaders what they need to be told — and prefer rather to tell them what they like to hear. Leaders who take accountability for their success as well their team and organization’s have to learn to manage this powerful asset well —a skill that can help them multiply their impact manifold. This has to be done with special focus on areas where the leader is not competent enough and for specific situations that fuel the dark side of their ego and bring out the worst in them. The former calls for building a regular practice of seeking feedback — and not the ceremonial annual theatre most leaders do. The latter, on the other hand, calls for analysing our own interactions from an outside-in view to catch the emotional hijack points — flashes of temper, impatience, feelings of having outsmarted someone, etc., and setting goals to reduce those. Both these areas often call for professional help, blinded as we often are with our ‘walls of denial’.
Question: 1

According to the passage, ego means:

Updated On: Mar 12, 2025
  • Our view of the cognitive world.
  • An inflated view of ourselves.
  • Our view of others.
  • A balanced view of oneself.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage defines ego as 'your idea or opinion of yourself,' emphasizing the importance of having a realistic understanding of oneself for personal contentment and relationships. This indicates that a balanced view of oneself is essential, making option 4 the correct answer.
• Our view of the cognitive world (1): This is incorrect.
• An inflated view of ourselves (2): Incorrect.
• Our view of others (3): Incorrect.
• A balanced view of oneself (4): Correct.
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Question: 2

‘Knowing oneself’ is important because:

Updated On: Mar 12, 2025
  • It leads to stress.
  • It is a liability.
  • It is an asset.
  • It leads one to the black hole area.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The passage states that the ability to know oneself is an advantage and a reality check vital for personal contentment and relationships. This indicates that knowing oneself is indeed an asset. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3.
• It leads to stress (1): This is incorrect.
• It is a liability (2): Incorrect.
• It is an asset (3): Correct.
• It leads one to the black hole area (4): Incorrect.
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Question: 3

‘To start ballooning’ means:

Updated On: Mar 12, 2025
  • To deflate.
  • To inflate.
  • To lose importance.
  • To create havoc.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

In the passage, 'to start ballooning' refers to the expansion or inflation of one’s ego to an excessive level, becoming egotistical. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.
• To deflate (1): This is incorrect.
• To inflate (2): This is correct; it captures the essence of the phrase as it describes the growth of ego.
• To lose importance (3): Incorrect.
• To create havoc (4): Incorrect.
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Question: 4

People with ‘inflated’ ego are:

Updated On: Mar 12, 2025
  • Popular.
  • Disliked.
  • Servile.
  • Naive.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The passage discusses how an inflated ego can become a derailer of leadership and create havoc in personal and professional lives. This suggests that such individuals are often disliked by those around them. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.
• Popular (1): Incorrect.
• Disliked (2): Correct.
• Servile (3): Incorrect.
• Naive (4): Incorrect.
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Question: 5

The passage does not refer to:

Updated On: Mar 12, 2025
  • All human beings have an ego.
  • Inflated ego can prove detrimental.
  • Inflated ego can be counterproductive.
  • Inflated ego has a win-win outcome.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The passage addresses the detrimental effects of an inflated ego, suggesting that it leads to negative outcomes in personal and professional contexts. Therefore, the idea that it has a 'win-win outcome' is not mentioned and is the correct answer.
• All human beings have an ego (1): Incorrect.
• Inflated ego can prove detrimental (2): Incorrect.
• Inflated ego can be counterproductive (3): Incorrect.
• Inflated ego has a win-win outcome (4): Correct.
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Question: 6

Seeking frequent feedback leads to:

Updated On: May 9, 2025
  • Success as a leader.
  • Havoc at the work front.
  • Derailment.
  • Reduced leader’s clout.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Effective Leadership and Feedback 

The passage indicates that leaders need to seek feedback to manage their ego effectively, which is portrayed as a skill leading to multiplied impact. Thus, frequent feedback contributes to a leader’s success. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1.

Explanation of the Options:

  • Success as a leader (1): Correct. The passage suggests that seeking feedback helps leaders manage their ego, which contributes to their success.
  • Havoc at the work front (2): Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that feedback causes havoc; rather, it helps leaders succeed.
  • Derailment (3): Incorrect. Derailment is not discussed in the passage; feedback helps prevent such an outcome by improving leadership effectiveness.
  • Reduced leader’s clout (4): Incorrect. The passage suggests that feedback improves a leader's effectiveness, not their clout.
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