The 8 Strengths of Humility
I asked G.J. Hart, when he was CEO of Texas Roadhouse, if he could spot emerging leaders. He didn’t rule out talent, education, or leadership presence, but he replied, “I can usually tell if they have the humility to make it.”
Hart’s statement so deeply impacted me that I wrote about humility in, “The Character Based Leader.”
Humble leaders are stronger than arrogant leaders.
Humble strength vs. arrogant weakness:
- Humility learns; arrogance knows.
- Humble leaders submit to noble values; they won’t bend. Arrogant leaders bend rules to their advantage.
- Humility listens; arrogance talks.
- Humble leaders serve others; arrogant leaders serve themselves.
- Humble leaders are free to build up others. Arrogant leaders build up themselves.
- Humility opens hearts; arrogance builds walls.
- Humility joins; arrogance stands aloof.
- Humble leaders connect; arrogant leaders disconnect.
Humility enables leaders to ask, “How can I help?”
C.S. Lewis said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”
Necessity:
Skills are important for success, but humility is necessary. I’ll take a less skilled humble leader over a more skilled arrogant leader every time.
Arrogant leaders might succeed but they’re not successful. Can you think of any leadership skill that isn’t more beautiful with humility?
The Path:
Leadership is first about character then about skills. Spend more time developing the practice of humility and less time working on leadership skills.
You can’t talk your way into humility; it’s always practiced.
What strengths do you see in humility?
How does arrogance hinder or destroy leadership?
Dan, I really appreciate #7
Num 7 is one that took me a long time to learn.
Yes, and Number 6: if someone’s heart “feels” safe, inspired and engaged”, while they may not even understand all way, a relational bridge has been created.
“As a leader, the sycophant, yes man is the last person you want in your corner.” – Colin Myles
LOVE IT!
#7 is causing me to pause…never considered the standing aloof as arrogant…but upon further review…I suppose it is…hmmm
leaders with no humility put pressure on themselves to have all the answers and fail to collaborate, a great means of bettering ideas. great post.
You remind me that arrogance is stressful!
That’s actually one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes. This is a fantastic list. My favorite from your list “humility opens hearts, arrogance builds walls.” I think the tricky part is when leaders without humility are rewarded…. and promoted… and others see that as the behavior they should be emulating. It may be that they are succeeding in spite of that behavior… not because of, but that is not always clear to those watching.
You can’t underestimate the power of reward to reinforce behaviors…even negative ones.
short-sighted leaders reward results and neglect character…Obviously we need both. Thanks for the good word Karin.
Humility in politics is a disaster. Those who dare truth or humility are attacked viciously. Humble leadership on this broader scale is not well received. It seems to make people feel the person is weak, making them somehow vulnerable. We do not value humility. We value the scrappy, outspoken, fighters. Rick Christie pops into my mind.
janjamm,
Scrappy, outspoken, fighters can also be humble – Rick Christie and Newt Gingrich come to mind. The only entity that attacks humility and the humble man is the main-stream media, who in the minds of many people today, is becoming less and less creditable every day.
While some of what you say may be true in politics, in the business world I find it to not be so.
Thanks Dan. “Humility is always practiced” Love this and all the great quotes. You continue to publish great content. Take CARE.
Al
Humility builds relationships which are mutually supportive between leaders and those they lead. As with all things it is about balance. Be nice until it is time to not be nice. (OK so I ripped off Patrick Swayze)
Detractors to this concept will tend to view someone who is humble as lacking the strength to make tough decisions. With a good balance of humility and strength (arrogance when it is taken to the extreme) will help to ensure that when the tough or unpopular decisions are made, they will be supported.
Humility builds trust, arrogance builds suspicion.
In my opinion humility is based in spirituality (the belief in something greater or higher than our human selves and/or a connection to the oneness of mankind), because without spirituality it is difficult for anyone to see outside of himself/herself to any greater degree. Your listening skills can be spot on and well developed, but you can still be arrogant. It is the spiritual connection that listens to assist, help, and cares about what is being said. In contrast, it is the ego that listens to steel ideas, pass judgement and to present like a person who cares. What I mean to say is just because someone presents like they are humble doesn’t mean that they are, and without sometype of spiritual connection. I do not believe a person can truly be humble, Karitzme.
Love the conversation as usual Dan.
Karitzme and Jan Jam are spot on in my view – humility is not valued.
Keep up the good work Dan.
Arrogance is a tough exterior covering a weak interior.
I like #1: Humility learns; arrogance knows.
This is such an important part. This also implies that the leader can admit when he doesn’t know something. If you are ever going to learn something, you must first admit that you don’t know it.
Dan…We all know you cannot be arrogant leader for long or you will not be a leader.
Hi Dan,
I love the C.S. Lewis quote because I’ve known many leaders who accidentally came across as arrogant simply because it all came down to them. They wouldn’t think of themselves as arrogant those because they lack confidence. This lack makes them look at themselves more and more and appear more and more arrogant rather than humble. It’s ironic really.
So true Paula. I’ve observed the same
Dan,
When I first read The Character-Based Leader manuscript, one of my favorite chapters was your chapter on humility. I took copious notes. My favorite quote – “Humility is being willing to be embarrassed. Being dumb up front is better than being dumb at the end.”
I also see connections to this topic and false modesty. To me, there’s nothing more off-putting than someone who is “aw shucks”ing when it’s clear they think they are “all that”.
Dan, #4 especially rings true – it’s the inverted triangle.
Another great post, keep ’em coming 🙂
This wold make the best Desiderata ever to be posted in the toilets nearest the management team!
A humble leader also has a sense of humor about herself or himself — and the world; arrogance has no sense of humor about anything. A humble leader is not afraid of being self-deprecating, but uses it to better connect with people. I believe you must be very confident in yourself in order to be humble.
I understand what janjamm says about the negative perception of humility in a political setting. But juxtaposed with arrogance as you have done in your post, Dan, I’m not sure either characteristic is preceived well in politics. (But, then, I feel that the proportion of REAL leaders in politics is a very small one anyway.)
I believe humility is rooted in gratitude. I believe arrogance is rooted in insecurity and entitlement. If you are grateful for what you have and who you are, you will have a heart of indebtedness. This naturally leads to humility, which is then actually an expression of the desire to give back. So you can’t fake humility. It comes from a grateful heart.
The Rule of St. Benedict has an interesting chapter on Humility. Worth reading.
Most excellent posting Dan. I would add the following to the list that I have experienced to be true in my Servant Leadership practices.
Humility draws in; arrogance locks out.
Thank you for the post.
Great adds. Thank you
Excellent
On no. 6, it depends… Humility is a lion and a lamb combination. A humble leader will stand firm and fight for a righteous cause against agressors and competitors–the opposition. Yet the humble leader will have compassion for those who are at the lower or weaker position.
The truly humble leader possess a light touch, almost invisible touch and is always striving to put the welfare of the entire group before their own personal desires. When praise and glory arrive they blush to find fame and only grow in the face of adversity. They are much like many a great book, with inglorious covers, judged wrongly until actually read.
this is absolutely true !!
Thank you for this post! Made my morning. 🙂
Humility also doesn’t focus too much on how one’s self appears towards others; arrogance always looks over one’s own shoulder, constantly comparing and judging.
Arrogance brings madness. It is very sure stressful. Humility the fundamental requirement for leadership. It’s the basis of Ubuntu. Love this