On Being a Humble Leader

In one of the most influential business books, Good to Great, Jim Collins introduces the concept of the Level 5 leader.  While this type of leader has many redeeming qualities, one of the key qualities is humility. Level 5 leaders are humble and driven to do what is best for the company.

Humble leaders behave differently and leave a legacy of influence on the people who respect, admire and are loyal to them.

To become a respected and admired humble leader, practice the following:

• Treat employees well, and give them the level of respect and service you give your best clients
• Solicit contributions and opinions
• Be accessible. Walk around and communicate with employees
• Compliment employees when catching them doing something well or right
• Let employees know that you appreciate their efforts and good work. (If employees are in another location, call them, visit them or write to them)
• Be an example of servitude. Ask employees if they need help from you
• Provide employees with the resources and support that they need to do their best work
• Give credit where credit is due
• Be a great listener
• Leave employees alone to get the job done
• Foster an environment of learning and growing
• Take responsibility for your mistakes and correct them; it may mean apologizing, returning something owed, or making up for an oversight or loss. Go the distance, do what it takes to make things right
• Be gentle and fair but firm
• Protect your reputation and others’ reputation by doing what is right every time

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Links to Good Reads about being a Humble Leader

The Best Leaders Are Humble Leaders

In a Harvard Business Review article, leadership authors Jeanine Prime and Elizabeth Salib share, “Employees who perceived altruistic behavior from their managers also reported being more innovative, suggesting new product ideas and ways of doing work better. Moreover, they were more likely to report engaging in team citizenship behavior, going beyond the call of duty, picking up the slack for an absent colleague — all indirect effects of feeling more included in their workgroups.” …  read more

6 Ways Humility Can Make You A Better Leader by Gwen Moran

In her article, Business writer Gwen Moran declares, “When we think of traits leaders typically exhibit, many come to mind—including strength, charisma, enthusiasm, and vision. One important component is often overlooked: humility.” … read more
 

10 Questions Humble Leaders Ask Themselves 

Self-appointed leadership freak, Dan Rockwell argues, “Self-importance blocks leadership. The difference between self-importance and knowing you matter is ego”. He shares a list of questions you can ask yourself which will help you determine whether your leadership style is ego-based versus humility-based.…read more