There are lots of adjectives used to describe leaders. And while the idea of a humble leader isn’t a new one, it isn’t in the top five (or even fifteen) descriptors used. There are several reasons for that, even though there was a great book, with two editions, written with the title Humble Leadership.
While humble isn’t among the most popular descriptors of effective leadership, it is one worth considering, leading to the question, what does it mean to be a humble leader?
Humble or Confident?
Perhaps the biggest reason being a “humble leader” isn’t a more popular idea is the relationship between the ideas of confidence and humility. Most everyone would agree that being confident is critical to being a great leader. But many people don’t see that we can be confident and humble. If you view these two attributes in competition with each other or as opposites, you will miss the chance to lead at your best.
Simply put you can be both confident and humble – in fact the best leaders are.
Five Behaviors to Consider
Even if you are struggling with the last statement, consider these five behaviors. After you read them, I’ll have a couple of questions for you.
- Being appreciative of others. Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of others, even downplaying their role in lifting up the impact of others.
- Being aware of their shortcomings. Being self-aware that they aren’t great at everything and being able to look to others to help with their shortcomings, and admitting when they make mistakes.
- Asking for input and feedback. Wanting the perspectives and ideas from others on problems, projects and plans, as well as to better understand their own behaviors and results.
- Being empathetic. Demonstrating real care for the well-being and situations of others. Making sure they understand the situation and feelings of others.
- Being externally focused. This is empathy and beyond. Demonstrating selflessness by leaning into the needs of the team and organization, and not simply looking at things from a personal perspective.
Here are your reflective questions:
- How much of those behaviors do you exhibit?
- Are those among the qualities you would want in a leader?
- If someone is exhibiting these behaviors, would you see them as confident and self-assured?
I submit to you that these are five big examples of the behaviors humble leaders exhibit regularly. On reflection, you will see that exhibiting these behaviors requires a level of confidence and proves a level of humility at the same time.
The more of these behaviors you exhibit, the more you will be seen as a humble leader.
Whether you make it your goal to be a humble leader or not, I do hope you consider the value and power of the five behaviors above, because the more apply those behaviors the more effective you will become.
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