Hey Leader, One More Time: It’s Not About YOU!
New Book Giveaway!!
20 free copies!!
Leave a comment on this guest post by Bill Treasurer to become eligible to win one of twenty complimentary copies of, The Leadership Killer: Reclaiming Humility in an Age of Arrogance. (Deadline: 1/12/2019)
(International winners will receive electronic versions.)
Before you effectively lead others, you’ve got to effectively lead yourself. Why? Because leadership is massively seductive.
Challenge:
Leaders are constantly told how special and better they are.
Think of the privileges that leaders are afforded. Leaders get bigger office spaces (with more windows), better parking spaces, more agenda airtime, more deference, and fatter salaries.
They also get less flak when they show up late for meetings, interrupt people, or skirt policies or processes that everyone else has to follow. Sometimes it seems as if leaders were meant to levitate above the rest of us mere mortals.
It’s no surprise that some leaders are seduced into thinking they are “better” than everyone else, that they deserve more of the spoils.
Hubris is what you get when a leader is spoiled.
3 ways to stay grounded as a leader:
- Have a Check: Deputize someone with permission to call you on your own BS!
- Walk the Deckplates: In the U.S. Navy, ship commanders make it a point of getting out of the bridge “walking the deckplates” – that’s where the real work gets done!
- Show Your Warts: Followers want leaders who are seasoned and scarred. Young professionals, in particular, need to know about the mistakes you’ve made and the “do overs” you wish you could have.
John Ryan, CEO and President of the Center for Creative Leadership, and former U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, sums up the importance of self-leadership this way,
“In all fields, you’re graded as a leader according to two dimensions:
- You leading and managing YOU.
- You leading and managing OTHERS.
The first cannot be outsourced and is the hardest and most important to do as we advance in our careers.
Without self-regulation, genuine humility, and learning agility, leaders will slip into hubris and excellence cannot be sustained.”
How might leaders stay grounded?
Bill Treasurer is the author of five books, including his most recent which he coauthored with Captain John Havlik, retired Navy SEAL, The Leadership Killer: Reclaiming Humility in an Age of Arrogance. Learn more at giantleapconsulting.com.
I have in a leadership role for over 25 years and the one thing I truly believe. I am partner with the team I lead and that
Oh, humility…so important, so undervalued. Thank you for the reminder…I’m going to put this book on my “where everyone can see it” bookshelf and get some good conversations started on the topic!
Love this. As I read the post I thought about how leaders can see the benefit of humility outweighing the perks and privilege that is being enjoyed. I am curious about this book!
Leadership is therefore a core competence for each person!
While the term “Management by walking around” is not in vogue anymore, the point is to spend time with employees where the work gets done. Asking questions and intentional listening are critical to being an effective leader, as well. Recognizing that we do not, and cannot know all of the answers, and being OK with this! Thank you for sharing this!
I have been in a leadership role for over 25 years. I truly believe that I am partner with the team I lead. I have many responsibilities but my first priority as a leader is to develop and support my team to grow and be successful. Great post thanks!
Too many leaders immediately say, this is not me. They just don’t have it in them to reflect on themselves. My manager is quick to point out self awareness during conversations, but has not been capable of the same feedback. Hopefully a recent conversation will open new lines of communication. A true leader asks for feedback, spends more time in the trenches and is fair to those following.
One of several career development paradoxes: the longer a leader is established in their field or organization, the more critical yet unlikely they are to possess genuine humility. Those that mamage to pull it off often elicit uncommon devotion to their pursuits.
Remove the “EGO” and a whole new world will awaken from within.
I like how this brought forward and discussed. Show that you are just as vulnerable and need to be held to the same standard.
Consider and treat everyone as an equal, show them respect and dignity and they will work together for anyone!
The John Ryan-inspired quote and graphic are worthy of hanging up on the back of the door in most of our offices as a daily reminder…
You have to continue to gauge how realistic you can be on all tasks and relationships. The pathway and people change so fast these days. Realism helps with the humbleness.
This is a great “reality check” checklist for all leaders in the world. Wished these wisdoms are taught at schools.
This is a great reminder! We serve as examples to our colleagues and should be accountable. Being reflective as a leader is an important attribute.
Great guest post! It is surprising how easily -even unconsciously- arrogance can take root in a leader’s practices and attitudes. This post reminds us that vigilance and self-leadership are never-ending processes to preserve a sense of true teamwork and egalitarianism in the workplace.
Crap. This is me sometimes.
Awareness of who and what you are are significant levelers against arrogance. It is not false humility to say “I’m not the best at this so go to Billy Bob on that”. An acceptance that leaders are people who sometimes overstep, over speak, and over lead. Listening and valuing others is often a great reflection of who you are.
“U do U,” is a refrain and cliche of both millenials and GenZ, the young professionals that may need to know, but generally don’t want to.
Excellence is not a value, nor an ethic they pursue – results are to be given/extracted, not earned/created.
Anything else seems to be a waste of their time and energy.
These are just observations, not judgments … the ground upon which leadership must struggle.
Arrogance versus confidence, and pride versus humility are always at battle in the life of a leader. It’s truly difficult to consistently lead yourself. Thanks for the article!
This is what you call Servant Leadership. The leader isn’t the one doing the hard work, they must realize this and thus they must serve those who they lead. I unfortunately never had the honour of serving in the armed forces, but you think about the tag, “First in, Last Out.” That is leadership, the first into a new area, the first to deal with issues, the first to take the flak for failures. Then you are the last one to take praise, the last one in line, the last one to walk an area when work is done. How do you serve those you lead?
It’s often difficult to admit a fault or acknowledge a shortcoming, for some even to themselves. Recognizing that many of the team members that you serve will respect you more for these admissions is key.
Sound like a really good read. I’d love to have this book. Thanks, Dan, for your daily dose of encouragement!
Awesome post-I think that it’s really important to stay grounded as a leader, hope I have the chance to read the book.
Honest self reflection is one of the most difficult things for a leader. I really like the thought of having a “check” someone you can trust to have the best of you in mind.
Love the recommendation to have a check. Over the years having someone to bounce ideas off of, who looks at me with a look that says . . .”Really?”. Makes me take the time to reconsider some of my positions, or better explain my thought process. Priceless input for leading!
Your comments about needing “self-regulation, genuine humility, and learning agility” are spot on. There are times when people have been in leadership roles for several years and that leads to a belief that they know it all, or need to know it all, when in reality we continue to constantly learn and grow as leaders regardless of tenure. Often the longer we have been in a leadership role, the farther removed we become from where the work actually gets done and the less we know about it. Having the humility to own up to that fact and being willing to learn from those on the front line goes a long way in our own personal growth and the engagement of our workforce.
Sounds like a great book. I would love to read it.
Thanks for the words of wisdom – as a leader constantly looking to improve myself focusing on the guy in the mirror first is the greatest responsibility I have. If I can’t follow my own direction how can anyone else
I have been in a leadership role for more than 25 years. I still find it amazing how many in this role are what I call “badge thumpers.” They actually believe because they achieved a higher position they are entitled to being treated differently, an expect it. It seems true humility and self awareness are rare traits anymore.
Great stuff! Leadership is hard, but it is also, as the author wrote, “massively seductive.”
Humility at its essence is simply seeing yourself as you truly are. That’s why I love the idea of the “designated driver” who serves in that critical feedback/mirror role.
The currency to humility is serving others in your Leadership!
Great post and reality check, Bill. Leadership is so seductive in that it invites praise and affirmation for the very few skills or attributes where the leader truly excels — and overlooks the preponderance of mediocrity in the rest of his or her toolkit. Leader’s should remember Rick Warren’s opening line for the Purpose Driven Life: It’s not about you! When we focus on our collective purpose and objectives, the leader has a crucial role to play among a team of contributors who add value in their own particular and specific way. A servant-leader is a godsend, but a self-absorbed leader drains the life out of a team. I’ve experienced both, and much prefer the former! All the best.
It is so important to have someone to whom you can ask the question, “What do others (including you) know about me that I may not know about myself?” Or, “What do others wish they could say to me and they don’t feel free to do so?”
Humility is so hard to hold on to, thinking more about others and less about ourselves. Sometimes we even get proud of our humility.it is also hard to help someone else see that they might have a problem because they can admit other weaknesses to themselves so they must be humble.
Would appreciate a book 🙂
Just what I needed to read this morning! Thank you for the reminder!
There is real power is seeing things from another person point of view.
Each day, my wife prays for me to have “humble confidence.” Putting humility first really does keep everything else in perspective!
I recently took on a role that was new to me and new to the company. After struggling a bit and feeling a little lost, my senior VP encouraged me to share my experience with my peers, rather than keep it to myself. Others are likely feeling the same way in the midst of massive change. What wisdom!
This is a great reminder that the focus needs to be on others. As a leader you cannot fly solo!
Seems very interesting especially to see how civilian and military experiences merge together.
My last boss used to walk in to the barn (I worked as an assistant horse trainer) and would constantly say “It’s all about me!” She even wrote it on our daily work board. It fostered such a toxic workplace that I left after 2 years incredibly burnt out. When I hear people say “It’s all about me!” I cringe. It’s like PTSD.
Even if you have a highly competitive industry, don’t compete against the people working FOR YOU! Guide them and nurture them and they will move mountains for you. So many leaders think that being humble and guiding their employees to be better makes them competition within their own business. So not true. I could go on and on.
LOVE #3 – “Show your warts.” So very true; it makes you relatable…it makes you human to your team. There’s no shame in being vulnerable. And, it’s s great opportunity to pass on a learning experience.
Quoting: “Leaders are constantly told how special and better they are.”
I have (I believe) coined a phrase, Personal Servant Leadership – or PSL. It builds upon the Servant Leadership notion that is so important and widely written about: Seeing formal leadership in terms of valuing all employees – caring about them as human beings and providing them the opportunities and resources to optimize their contribution to the organization’s success.
To me PSL refers to the critical responsibility every one of us has to self-assess our efforts, Consider carefully how things are going and how they might go better. And then, of course, we need to develop changes where appropriate – in order to engage in making them happen. These efforts need to happen regularly.
For the person in formal leadership (for whom this book was written), this book indeed is about PSL without using the phrase. That’s of course expected as it is one I’ve coined and only recently written about – including a daily PSL “Suggestion for Today” that I post on Twitter and Facebook.
BUT here’s what I believe is a key point: PSL, as I noted above, represents important efforts EVERY ONE OF US NEEDS TO BE MAKING! I’m an Emeritus faculty member with no administrative responsibilities now (obviously), not any students to mentor as they learn effectively and develop the associated skills that will be so critical to their success in their career and personal life. Even so, my life can (I’d say MUST) be rich and rewarding. PSL is important as I “lead myself.”
I appreciate learning about this book via this post. AND I look forward to Considering it in terms of my ongoing Development of my notion of PSL!
I like to think I work hard to build a team culture of “we-” having been on the other end reporting to a leader to took all the credit and rarely shared praise. I learned a few lessons but feel there’s always more to learn!
I can see how it could be easy to let ego overtake one in leadership positions, especially if you were ‘courted’ for a position. Remembering who you are leading is an important part of staying grounded. I’d also add keeping the group’s purpose or mission in mind is helpful.
Great post! We need reminders about the importance of humility and recognizing that it takes a team utilizing the gifts of each individual to truly be successful. Looking forward to reading the book!
Be Courageously Imperfect
Refreshing point of view in this article. A leader needs to be aware of how their actions impact all those around them and not be focused only on their next promotion. A leader that makes people feel like they are right there supporting them and cheering them on is who will be recognized as a good leader through time. This article does a great job of pointing out how leaders need to think about themselves second and not always first.
This is a great post! It is so true how easy it is for leaders to feel entitled or better than others which makes it so important to stay grounded, and focus on self leadership as much as people leadership.
Great post. Leadership should be about serving others, not yourself. Thanks for sharing!
Pride always comes before the fall, said one of the wisest sages of all time – Solomon. In a world that is full of “smash-mouthed” dialogue, it is refreshing and encouraging there are leaders calling us all back to a mindset to serve, not of one that demands to be served.
Thanks for the great reminder and challenge, Dan and… Bill.
Oftentimes “showing your warts” is seen by leaders as degrading their authority and impact. In my experience it only makes others be willing to take risks, admit and analyze failures and create mutual respect.
Humility is a word I’ve lived my life by…and I instill it in not only my new leaders but also my kids…its a trait that truly feeds the soul.
Fantastic reminder! And the comments are equally important. I would add that you can’t lead others if you can’t lead yourself first! Great book to add to the collection! Thank you!
Your people watch, even when you aren’t aware. Leading yourself makes an impact on how they lead themselves!
Leaders should always encourage their direct reports to call BS on them (preferably in private) in order to not only be genuine but to also build trust. Of course, that encouragement must be backed up by action.
I love this post…..Leadership means understanding the responsibility.
Humility is so important. Few things hurt morale and productivity more than a self-absorbed leader who sees themselves as more important than everyone because they are a leader. I love the idea to give some permission to call BS. Each of us needs the help of an external conscience at times.
Self regulation is a main focus for myself.
Unfortunately some people are atill “awed” by pompous leaders. When there are wnough of them in a workplace it can become toxic. That’s why I left my last job.
There are many managers and few real leaders. Most people don’t know the difference.
I am in charge of leadership development and training and this book is great timing! I would love to review a copy to see if this would be a fit with out programs/classes. We have a wonderful servant leadership culture, so this ties right into our message and values! Thank you for writing this book!
In my part of the world, humility can be associated with incompetency and lack of confidence. I wonder if the book contains insights on how such perceptions can be minimized. Humility could be in the eyes of the audience not the beholder.
Staying grounded is vital for a servant leadership culture and delivering service to others.
I have been in leadership for over 40 years and plan to continue. I believe my best move is and has been to develop those who I am responsible for. As I help them grow in their leadership skills, I am able to continue growing my leadership skills.
Having humility seems to be a lost art today.
True and frequently forgotten!
I am currently in a career transition with the hopes of moving into leadership. I love that I’m finding so much inspiration to bring the human side of myself into this change. Humility and a focus on humanity and connection are going to be the cornerstones of my leadership approach. Thank you! I’d love to learn more from the book. XOXO
I had a check in who called me on my stuff. But I got too big for my britches and she backed off. I had to ask again for her help with my stuff she wasn’t as forthcoming but helped. I see now, I needed to manage and own me!
Stayed grounded, stay humble, without forgetting to lead.
I’d be interested in reading this book.
Love it. I think a constant practice of “do and reflect” with whoever is you BS checker is invaluable. Thank you.
Walking the deck planks – so important yet so easily pushed aside for our “more important” responsibilities.
Love the post – we get caught up in our own stuff and forget the world doesn’t revolve around issues. Take care of a toddler for a day – lessons in humility all day long.
Great post and great reminders for leaders. I have a trusted person that puts me in check and sometimes you really need that! I try to stop myself from sending an IM and instead walk over to other offices to interact with team members …ask how things are going and more importantly…ask if there is anything I can help with?
I am just at the tail end of completing my masters in leadership. I am interested in all leadership support, such as this book, I can gain!
Shamelessly replying to this post, with a small hope I might have the possibility of winning a copy of this book! 🙂 Currently studying to get my masters degree in Human Resource Management, and hopefully within the years to come, I will obtain a leadership position in an organisation. Perhaps more importantly, I will try to help both leaders and their followers to get the best out of themselves within that organisation I will be working for. So at the moment, I’m hungry for all the information I can get about leadership! Such a well known and much elaborated topic, yet so many individuals seem to get it wrong in practice.
In some capacity-everyone leads with or without the title. It does start with leading self before others so we can serve others before ourselves. Looking forward to this book.
I check your page almost everyday, and I learn something new everyday. Your page guides my practice to improve my practice.
If I could share evidence of one of my own “scars” of my own hubris from the past, might I add a #4 to the above list of ways to stay grounded as a leader?
If you immediately thought of someone else who needed this list… YOU NEED THIS LIST.
If you immediately thought of ways to apply suggestions #1, #2 & #3 to your own leadership growth journey… you’re already showing evidence of being fairly well grounded. Go ahead and apply them anyway!
Thanks for the post! Looks like a fantastic book!
The ultimate Humble Leader rode a donkey into town and died on a cross for us.
Excellent post, and not just for leaders. “it’s not about you” seems to be the most common answer given by advice columnists on almost any topic. Leaders can’t get anything done on their own; we can only inspire, support, be role models and remove barriers so others can be great.
I learned to lead by walking around and talking to everyone. Great article.
I love the fidwa of having someone calling BS and I have to great colleagues that do that for me and I ask my team to be very frank and to challenge me and call me out on my actions/behaviour as well
Boom. Love “Have a check”.
At the end of next month, I am transitioning into the lead role in a non-profit. I’ve been here 15 years and especially because of that I don’t want to mess this up. I know the why, our mission, or strategy, as well as the staff and volunteers. For these reasons, I have especially had concerns about letting arrogance get to me as I assume oversight and leadership of the organization. Appreciate the article and it comforts me that we’ve been building in the safeguards.
Ken; that is awesome, you have to be building a good solid community responsive Police force. It would be an honor to live within your community because of said approach.
I serve in a culture where rank structure and accompanying authority are traditionally rigid (I’m the chief of police in a large city and i’m department committed to pulling hard on the tiller to shift that culture). Practiced private and public humility are critical for me to connect with workers. For me, the most effective tools are presence in the various substations and bureaus. I “walk the deck plates” every day and many nights. It is the best investment of my time, by far. I have two deputy chiefs at the top level of command staff with whom I’ve robustly rumbled to empower them to call my BS. I didn’t initially realize the work required to build that level of trust in that realm. That’s working because I’ve been lucky enough to listen to them with the same intensity whith which I want them to listen to me and rewarded them for calling me out. Ouch, that hurts! Someday I’ll mess that up. But I hope to have enough in the bank to cover me.
Sounds like my kind of read! Oh – does that mean it’s all about me?? (:
Thanks, Dan. Would like to learn more by winning the book!
Each person you lead must also embrace these same concepts.
I have been a leader for 12 years and have learned early on that I need to listen to my team that are on the floor doing the job and never forget what it was like when I was where they are at now and things I thought should of been changed then. Watching and Listening to my team is an evolving learning experience for me. I do need to remind myself daily not to take criticism personally and know that if things need changed that I have a responsibility to nurture that change.
With over 30 years working in the nonprofit arena, it is obvious and evident that I have gotten to my positions due to the people who have been beside me. Whether peers, employees, clients/customers, they are the ones who have encouraged and boosted me. I do not stand on their shoulders. We stand together. A key component of my success has been to make sure others know how important they have been in and to my life.
It is hard at times to remember that there is always something more to learn especially as we get older, remembering this helps keeps hubris in check.
I love this article and am very intrigued about what else will be shared in the book. It’s critical for leaders to remember that they work for their people as much or more than the other way around. It’s important that they lead with genuineness and “show their warts”. It allows others to know it’s okay to take risks, make mistakes, learn from those experiences and make their organization a better place for it.
This is my 54th year serving as a school leader and I’m still convinced that my success has more to do with my level of self-awareness and my desire to serve teachers and students. It’s all about building relationships with all stakeholders and this can’t be done if one is to remain in his/her office!! Get out and “shmooze” with your people!!
Great read! I’ve been blessed enough to work with one of these great leaders. They really stand out because they care, they listen to what everyone has to say, no matter the title, really listen. They question the ideas and beliefs that are being shared. They are not listening to counter and give their own agenda they are listening to learn and share ideas. It’s an amazing way to work.
Love this. I’ve always tried to say I’m not your boss I’m just the team captain. I think humility is such an important quality. If you can’t admit to your mistakes and realize that sharing them does not make you less of a leader but a better leader. I learn so much from my team everyday. They help lead me also.
So true if you are a principal of a big high scool (like i am). Walk, thrust, humility and « humanité »
Managing oneself and the relationship with others. The stuff of Emotional Intelligence!
you truly must be one with the team. managing yourself and your goals as well as those of your team in order to fulfill all requirements that are stated or end objectives as presented.
This is essentially what I already do, interested in seeing the details
What is it about your skill and ability to have these oh so perfectly timed? I just got a lesson in humility, albeit not at work, but from my wife at home. She gracefully pointed out my flaw of not always being the best communicator. At first my pride welled up and I wanted so bad to cross my arms and stomp my feet, but I didn’t. I listened and took the well-deserved beating as I know it was something I need to hear.
One thing I like to do is empower my team to call me out. When they do, I do not become defensive, instead listen to figure out the meaning behind the criticism. It is not easy and I have found myself becoming defensive at times. Overtime this has improved. Notice improved so not solved, but I am on the path to betterness.
Thank you for these daily reads. I cannot get enough!
It has been and continues to be interesting and challenging for my wife and I to be the leaders in our skating business. It is difficult to balance Leadership with the day to day tasks of running/growing our small business into a million dollar Family Entertainment Center. This blog along with other resources that are being recommended by our Growth Coach, Bob Gambone, the Pecan Pie Guy have been invaluable.
I think “Walk the Deckplates” is most powerful. As an educator, being on the frontlines, in classrooms, is the most informative place to get the pulse of a school.
Cathy, couldn’t agree with you more, as I am in education also. I gain tremendously from the wisdom Dan shares. I work hard to serve others in the work I do; yet know that leading myself is something that needs continued monitoring. Thanks for the reminder.
Walking the deckplate is a must for leaders. As a nurse leader, that walk re-connects you to your purpose and if done intentionally and sincerely, builds credibility with those you lead. It is easy to sometimes forget your purpose; moving up the ladder, moves you further away from the real ground game.
The book sounds really interesting. I appreciate the phrasing of “leading oneself” although I think I understood it a bit differently than what was presented here. I’ll be curious to learn more.
Great post! I have been working on principles for becoming a generation that can change the direction of leadership and impact our current and future leaders. Humility has been in the top 3 of every bit of research on becoming the best leader in today’s culture. No effective leader gets to the top by him/herself so giving the credit where credit is due is very important.
I think taking time for gratitude everyday and volunteering makes leaders remember why humility is so important. Love this topic and blog post!
I have long said that a leader only has much authority as the followers will give him/her, regardless of positional authority. Lack of humility and forgetting where you came from yourself is the quickest way to guarantee that your authority will be undermined with the staff. People appreciate those who truly understand that their job could not be done without those who are in the trenches on a day to day basis. This sounds like a great book and I am going to take a look at it.
Hope my “command and control” boss reads this post! It’s spot on to people I would consider good/great leaders. Thanks!
Being the new team leader of a small team, in a local government in a small town, any arrogance would be a death knell simply because it would be all over town in a flash. i have to own my flaws and be very honest with my team members and my manager.
Still so much to learn
The bottom line is that the leadership that Jesus modeled was humble and He was Servant to those He led. As long as we remember we serve them, sometimes that means leading in word and action and sometimes that means working side by side in demonstration. I may not physically enjoy washing feet but maybe a pedicure attitude, like a true pedicure, needs maintenance.
These insights are so ripe and necessary for all us leaders in this time where so many love to flaunt or use profusely the “benefits” of being a leader. Thanks for these helpful ideas and challenges.
Well said..
As a woman in leadership, I feel t here is a fine line with humility becoming damaging and limiting to women; especially to those women who wish to become leaders, spokespersons and change agents in the world. Merriam-Webster defines humility as: “freedom from pride or arrogance or the quality or state of being humble.” Historically, we have been trained by cultural norms to be modest, unassuming, to avoid at all costs being seen as haughty, proud or assertive. And while we’ve publicly began to support the equality of both women and men, that is not always the practice in the boardrooms and offices. We should continue to challenge this concept until women feel comfortable being assertive and empowered to network, build their brand, and challenge their male counterparts.
As a leader thinketh in his heart so he is, therefore a grounded leader starts in the heart.
Thanks so much for your blogs! This particular one is an area in which I have been studying and working on.
My personal thoughts are…all I can say is FINALLY it’s put out there! A friend and I have been preaching this for many years. The hope is some day the leaders who refuse to show their warts, or rather, believe they have none, and are only seasoned and encouraged by the same flock…you know…the bubbly, attention-getting souls who sell their personality to fool others, can miraculously be sprinkled with some service oriented, gracious, humbling fairy dust. Serelda, below, says it’s a core competence for every person, and couldn’t agree more. This is why I have remained true to concentrating on what is right and not the best. Make the right choices, not the best. Look for the right people, not the best. There’s humility in right and a sense of juvenility in best.
Thank you for this book. I am very please to be able to win a copy for someone from Canada.
I quickly learned humility in my first official leadership position as an acting supervisor. I did not have the technical expertise to provide the mentor ship and review of the technical work the team was used to from the person leaving the position. At first I tried to see the team the the lens of my strengths (which weren’t there’s). I learned that’s not the best approach and that instead I needed to learn enough to understand the direction they are headed and defer to them as the experts. Curiousity became my best friend! I wasn’t successful in getting that position permanently but I learned some key things during those 7 months that contributed to me getting a similar position in another part of the organization that is actually a better fit.
Great read. We need to capacitate our learners and youth especially here in Africa, so that they may politically lead us in future
Be no Ego is a good start to realize how humility affects people around you. Sincerity, that follows your humble actions and comments is astounding!
Leading is an opportunity to serve others. In most cases, we are serving those that are carrying out the core functions of our business. Losing site of that is when arrogance and lack of humility are permitted to creep in.
Awesome. I just finished reading “Leading with a Limp” by Dan Allender. Good stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Limp-Advantage-Powerful-Weakness/dp/1578569524
A leadership role is to serve others. When ego creeps in team members feel undervalued and controlled. You have smart people on your team – let them shine!
I love what @craiggroeschel says at the end of each of his leadership podcasts, “People would rather have a leader that is always real than a leader who is always right.” This is so simply true and ties right into the humility. Show them your scars. Share your mulligans. Talk to your team, be real with your team, listen to your team. Without the team, you are not a leader. If you truly feel the need to be arrogant about something, be arrogant about the team that you’ve built that has gotten you where you are today.
So love to get a copy of this book to read and then send my copy to my congressperson!! This is one of those steps toward civility in community conversations as well!
I was talking with a colleague recently whose current supervisor isn’t managing himself well right now. As a result, he has lost respect.
Such an important topic
In interviews I am looking for someone who will disagree in a tactful way because it is important to have group members who bring diverse viewpoints and share them. I like the dynamic tension that comes from everyone having an opinion. There might be other good ways to get to the goal and people who will speak up will get you there.
Thanks for the words of wisdom in this article. So often you see Leaders in larfe organisations taking advantage of their Leadership role. If I was lucky enough to win a copy it’s definitely going to be added to our companies lending library for all Leaders to be able to read.
I’ve always made myself available to be part of the team, jumping in to help, offer or listen to solutions for challenges that come but also showing how creating and tracking goals is a helpful tool helping us reach our personal goals as well as corporate.
One of the most vital, highly valued character traits of a leader should be humility. It is a skill that is honed over time with intentional effort. It must be a desired focus on relationships while evaluating one’s own attitudes. Arrogance repels people while humility attracts and connects. It includes listening, sensitivity, genuine care and selfless love for others.
That is very beautifully said.
One of the most vital, highly valued character traits of a leader should be humility. It is a skill that is honed over time with intentional effort. It must be a desired focus on relationships while evaluating one’s own attitudes. Arrogance repels people while humility attracts and connects. It includes listening, sensitivity, genuine care and selfless love for others.
This book should be mandatory management reading.
Love the premise and title of the book. We are always leading in some capacity, even if it just leading ourselves. Quite intrigued!
Nobody is perfect. You all have heard that before. These leaders that have learned to conquer their inner selves and to gain the responsibility of being a good example to others in lesser positions still have faults they struggle to overcome. Do you think they don’t know they have faults? Perhaps, some don’t. But the majority of them do know and it’s mostly how they have reacted that has determined where they stand now. Lots of them are not ashamed of their mistakes. They are able to accept that it happens and you have to learn to move on. It is easy to see how a leader could grow to thinking that the world owes him or her more than he or she is receiving. It is a very good idea to have someone whose job it is to remind that leader of how things truly are.
Arrogance is all about “ME”. Humility serves others.
Thanks.
What I like most about the article is this part: “Before you effectively lead others, you’ve got to effectively lead yourself. Why? Because leadership is massively seductive.”
I believe it’s really true!
My favorite quote of all time on humility is by C.S. Lewis and he said that “Humility is not thinking less about yourself, but thinking about yourself less!” What a challenge right in line with what is being shared here. Absolute gold.