Quite a few years ago during Q&A at a speaking engagement, I was asked what is the common denominator among truly great leaders. The question is very valid because when you think of leaders you know of, there exists a tremendous variance in style. Some are commanding (e.g. Steve Jobs), charismatic (Nelson Mandela), quiet & understated (Tim Cook) and some are bombastic (you can fill in your own example from the current news headlines). There are many other types too. My answer for the question was focused on great leaders, and that trait is humility.
When you see someone that practices humility what you are seeing is a display of openmindedness. Humble people know (and embrace the idea that) they do not know everything. Now intellectually we all know that is true — that we don’t know everything, but do we practice it? That take humility to display that kind of honesty and vulnerability in public.
We can learn something from everyone. Case in point could be learning something from a child, a stranger, a celebrity, a learned person, someone holding down a lowly station in society. If we are open-minded we can learn and that starts with humility.
Many leaders get caught up in the concept that to lead means you have all the answers and you never show differently as that could be a weakness. What a sad and wasteful viewpoint. So many opportunities are squandered because of that approach. That person shuts themselves down to possibility of improvement which is the ultimate purpose of leadership — to take others to a better state or condition.
Research proves that humility is a trait that elicits the best response in team members. A study done in 2021 shows that the trait of humility actually inspires others to take on the leadership role (Journal of Organizational Behaviour May 2024). What happens in the behaviours of humble leaders is they exhibit an appreciation of other’s contributions, respect and recognition.
I recently heard Alex Kopacz, Canadian Olympic gold medalist, relate the story of his coach, Olaf Hampel, and how Olaf focused on Alex and not upon his own achievements. He listened to Alex and encouraged experimentation and resisted any temptation to impose a “his way or the highway” attitude, thus displaying openmindedness, thus humility. He didn’t have to do that as his credentials were impeccable. Olaf was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a fact that Alex learned indirectly months into their relationship.
That’s humility, and is so appropriate in the world we live in today. There is so much noise out there, people clamoring for attention whether personal, political or to vacuum your pocket. True and great leaders do not do that. They, like Olaf, make it about the people they lead to greatness. Business leaders impact lives in an exponential way, both directly and especially indirectly throughout their careers. Make your leadership legacy one displaying humility as it is the sure way to be the one who’s driving.
