The Enemy of Effective Leadership

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

― Rick Warren

Humility is so misunderstood, it frequently receives special attention. We have a tendency to view humility as excessively modest, as a flaw rather than a strength. However, as Karina Fabian writes in Business News Daily, “Humility simply means understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses and appreciating the strengths of others”.

So the question is should a leader be humble or arrogant?

Few debates are never-ending. In the end it becomes all about striking a balance.

The humble/arrogant side of a leader is the discussion of the same category. There are just no favourites to pick.

Humility As A Trait Of A Leader
Humility is a central concept in any discussion or definition of leadership. It appears in books and articles, as well as at leadership conferences held throughout the world. However, it is clear that many leaders are resisting the concept—at least for their own benefit.

A significant reason leaders resist humility is the perception that it comes across as weak—and no one wants to be perceived as weak. That same fear of being perceived as weak motivates arrogant leaders to prioritise their own personal agendas over organisational goals and the common good. On the other hand, those who lead with humility work to support, inspire, and develop others. They impart the best of what they know and assist others in achieving. It is the pinnacle of strength.