What do you think of when you think of “humility?” You may envision someone who lack confidence, is unsure or passive.
This idea of humility is completely confused. True humility is selflessness, willingness to admit weaknesses, prioritizing others and leading with a servant’s heart.
Leadership and humility are not words we typically hear together, but maybe that should change.
The traditional, “successful” image of a leader is typically someone who is charismatic, perhaps overbearing, self-absorbed and inaccessible.
Servant leadership challenges the norm and introduces a leader who prioritizes and empowers their employees for the success of a greater whole. Humility is a pillar of servant leadership, and it is anything but a weakness.
It takes a secure and confident leader to lead with humility. Employees respect humility in a leader, and it makes them more approachable.
Leaders can display humility in the workplace to gain the trust and respect of their employees, and foster greater results.
Teach From Your Mistakes
Every “failure” is a teachable moment. Humble leaders are not afraid to admit when they’re wrong. Recognizing a mistake and looking for a solution is personal growth.
When leaders publicize their mistakes and are willing to ask for help, others will also be inclined to do so. Sharing your mistakes reminds every one of their humanity.
Create a Dialogue
Especially in diverse workplaces with many varying points of view, creating healthy, open dialogue is important.
Humble leaders are less concerned with swaying others of their opinion or “proving” their argument, as they are with finding real solutions that work for everything.
Dialogue rather than debate will improve team communication, so next time a disagreement occurs, they’re better equipped to deal with it.
Be a Follower
Lead as a follower — sounds pretty counterintuitive, right?
When leaders empower their employees to lead, they not only facilitate the growth of leadership skills in their teams but also mimic how to take a different perspective and trust others appropriately.
Learning when to take guidance and direction from others is an important skill that humble leaders can demonstrate to their teams.
Be Hands-off
Encouraging autonomy in employees is a great example of leading with humility.
It indicates trust and will empower employees to make better decision naturally. Autonomy holds employees accountable so that they will be more invested in their decisions.
When leaders relinquish control and let employees do their jobs, they can capitalize on individual employee strengths and bring to light pain points that can be improved on.
Servant leaders can change the way people think of humility by incorporating it into their workplaces.
We Can Help
Ask us about our network of experienced, trusted interim executives. We can help your business fill an executive void, facilitate a transition, add bandwidth and support unfulfilled CIO and technology needs.