Humility is an important part of being a successful leader. While confidence and intelligence are two other shining attributes leaders should have, it's essential for those in charge to be humble. Why is this the case? Research suggests that some of the most high functioning and respected leaders exude humble qualities. To be a more humble leader, here are four thoughts you need to consider:
1. Embrace who you are
We all make mistakes. None of us is perfect. As a leader, you don't have to always have the right answers. While it is difficult to admit when you made the wrong choice or when you aren't sure how to proceed with something, this is an important part of being a humble leader. Embrace yourself, flaws and all, to show your employees that it's okay to be human.
2. Learn to take a step back
Another part of being a humble leader is knowing when to back off and let people do their jobs. There is nothing more nerve-wracking for an employee than a leader who cannot remove herself from situations that don't necessarily call for her attention. While you might sometimes need to step in and provide assistance, you must acknowledge that some people may be more well-suited to handle certain tasks than you are. Learn to be a humble leader by accepting this fact.
3. Talk with people openly, don't just debate them
Far too often, leaders are concerned with always being right or convincing their employees of their opinion. While this is critical for getting team members on the same page, your employees don't always have to agree with you for you to be a good leader. Rather, it's refreshing to have multiple viewpoints in one office. This atmosphere keeps people engaged and moving forward, not stagnant or narrow-minded. Instead of always trying to debate your employees, try to have open conversations where you attempt to see their point of view. You may learn something about yourself.
4. Don't forget to say thank you
One of the key foundations of being a humble leader is knowing when to say thank you. Though this common phrase might not seem like a big deal, you would be surprised just how impactful a genuine thank you can be for your employees or co-workers. Whether you tell your workers in person or write them monthly thank you notes, remember to show them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to the team.
Check out our "Leading with Heart: How to Build Effective Teams" course to learn more about becoming a humble leader.