Confidence can be a powerful attribute for a leader, but if confidence turns to arrogance, team dynamics significantly are affected in a negative way. Being able to put the ego aside is a vital part of being a great leader.
Humility is a crucial part of leadership, but many leaders have difficulty with this attribute because there is an incorrect assumption that you cannot be simultaneously humble and ambitious. Also, business leaders sometimes view humility as being too soft to handle tough issues.
Inc. shares the following three practical approaches to help leaders achieve greatness through humility.
- Do not claim the credit. When leaders prioritize highlighting their team’s achievements, it builds respect and loyalty and provides a sense of liberation for employees.
- Get others involved. Open communication and transparency are key. Leaders should share their plans with their team and encourage team members to share their ideas, contribute to decisions and be innovative. Employees feel safe in an environment that encourages feedback and collaboration.
- Listen more and speak less. Humble leaders genuinely want to understand what others think by listening carefully. They ask a lot of questions and allow team members to participate in the conversation. When both sides recognize learning can be accomplished through truly listening, great strides can be made.
