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Humility and leadership

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

I stumbled across this via Twitter yesterday and having embarked on being a 'leader' about 6 months ago found it quite interesting.

There is a growing backlash against American narcissism (and we know that American trends can bleed over into the UK). Scientists are turning their thoughts to humility. The questions being 'are there benefits to being humble?', 'are humble leaders less effective?' And so on.

Dictionaries describe humility as 'low self-esteem' or meekness. Personally I'm not convinced that is how I would describe it.

Scientists have learned that true humility is when someone has an accurate assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and sees all this in the context of a larger whole. They know they are not the centre of the universe.

The benefits of humility have been investigated in various studies including one by Duke University published in July 2016.

These studies have found that humble people build connections, are more likely to admit when they are wrong and seek help where they need it.

At an executive level, humble leaders prioritise the needs of the organisation over their own, they disperse power, hire more diverse teams and generate higher employee satisfaction.

Importantly though it doesn't weaken authority. A leader can involve others when planning projects but when it comes to execution be more authoritarian. After the project happens, they will ask for feedback and express gratitude for the help.

Non humble leaders concentrate power, take credit for success and give blame for mistakes.

It has also been found that arrogance and humility are contagious. Both can be taught and caught.

I like to think I'm a humble leader. My aim is for my team to grow professionally and personally so this research struck a chord with me but then it did highlight how I want to be.

How are you as a leader or how are your leaders when it comes to humility?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism"

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Interesting concept, but can't really seeing it catching on big-time in the business world. Most of my "leaders" have been anything but...nastiness, incompetence and cluelessness seem to rule in my experience.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

If you want to read the article in full, Google 'leaders are more powerful when they are humble'

It is in the Washington Post.

It has been endorsed by Dan Pink who I have a lot of time for. Google RSA Animate Drive for a video on motivation in the workplace. I watch this video every 6 months or so.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Interesting concept, but can't really seeing it catching on big-time in the business world. Most of my "leaders" have been anything but...nastiness, incompetence and cluelessness seem to rule in my experience."

And how does that impact your working style? How do you react to them?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Humility is modesty, not low self esteem.

As a nihilist, and someone who believes in human rights, i do believe nobody has more value than anyone else and don't understand how the concept of hierarchy came to exist.

I'd be a shit leader.

I believe this to be true -"It has also been found that arrogance and humility are contagious. Both can be taught and caught." And narcissists are more than capable of mimicking traits they admire in others or will make them popular, even if they don't understand the, It's unlikely they would do that to create a better world though as their insecurities prevent them from doing so. They also get voted into power using their horrible traits so there's no incentive for them to pretend. Being selfish is their ultimate aim with everything they do.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet. "

Just a quote from the article but I think the 'I'm the boss so I'm always right' attitude is being questioned more now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Thanks Swing

Very interesting -- I've long been an advocate for the importance of humility in leading teams. Not only in knowing ones own areas of weakness and where you require others input to plug a gap, but actually the importance of preserving the space for your team to step in and offer solutions even when (possibly especially when you already have ideas/strengths yourself in an area) -- you empower and engage people more which builds commitment and ownership and hone your ideas further with new input. Those in your team are on the frontline and seeing the empirical evidence and it's vital to harness their feedback -- but it's through an authentic showing of humility by leaders that staff feel able to contribute, or to offer their ideas flexibly (provide an idea and work with people to tweak it/sculpt it rather than hang fixedly on their idea alone which happens if the environment is not balancing power hierarchies).

I love this -- "It has also been found that arrogance and humility are contagious. Both can be taught and caught."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet. "

Thinking on this a bit more, I would imagine there would have to be a difference made between the type of person who is a good leader and the type of person most likely to succeed in actually being a leader.

For example, I don't want this to become a political discussion, but someone could question Trump's leadership skills. They could argue that a more humble person would be a better leader. But no one can argue that his narcissism and arogance played a very big part in his success in becoming a leader. So there seems to be a disconnect in good leadership qualities and what helps someone become a leader.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A friend of mine use to describe how his father's father humilty put food into their plates, and it really got stucked into my head.

When his father immigrate to France, some of his co worker used to humiliate him and spat on him, yet he kept on doing his job and brought food on the table.

This is how I see humility now.

On here I see View and nicecouple561 as being humble and always on point.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet.

Thinking on this a bit more, I would imagine there would have to be a difference made between the type of person who is a good leader and the type of person most likely to succeed in actually being a leader.

For example, I don't want this to become a political discussion, but someone could question Trump's leadership skills. They could argue that a more humble person would be a better leader. But no one can argue that his narcissism and arogance played a very big part in his success in becoming a leader. So there seems to be a disconnect in good leadership qualities and what helps someone become a leader. "

He is specifically mentioned and quoted as saying 'I am more humble than you know but don't show it when it comes to business'. So the perception still exists that you need to be a hard headed bastard to get on and be successful. Maybe it just takes time for new ways to filter through?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you want go down the science does understanding people road........

Try the platinum rule......

Which will basically confirm what naturally sentient people know anyway,,,,,

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet.

Thinking on this a bit more, I would imagine there would have to be a difference made between the type of person who is a good leader and the type of person most likely to succeed in actually being a leader.

For example, I don't want this to become a political discussion, but someone could question Trump's leadership skills. They could argue that a more humble person would be a better leader. But no one can argue that his narcissism and arogance played a very big part in his success in becoming a leader. So there seems to be a disconnect in good leadership qualities and what helps someone become a leader. "

I was pondering this too. Can we think of any mainstream examples where a more humble, magnanimous, collaborative (I should just stick to the word humble rather than skew my comment ) leader has made it? There's got to be some. I hope.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"There is a growing backlash against American narcissism

I haven't found any meaningful backlash yet.

Thinking on this a bit more, I would imagine there would have to be a difference made between the type of person who is a good leader and the type of person most likely to succeed in actually being a leader.

For example, I don't want this to become a political discussion, but someone could question Trump's leadership skills. They could argue that a more humble person would be a better leader. But no one can argue that his narcissism and arogance played a very big part in his success in becoming a leader. So there seems to be a disconnect in good leadership qualities and what helps someone become a leader.

He is specifically mentioned and quoted as saying 'I am more humble than you know but don't show it when it comes to business'. So the perception still exists that you need to be a hard headed bastard to get on and be successful. Maybe it just takes time for new ways to filter through?"

His personality suggests otherwise.

The thing is, they are pretty much sociopaths and psychopaths also, they do not understand themselves, they feel nothing, low on empathy.

They are capable of thinking they are something they are not, despite being told otherwise based on their behaviour.

Someone did suggest the only way to give them better morals was to give them the incentive to do so. Put ideas in their head that behaving better would benefit them more. It's not been implemented.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Interesting concept, but can't really seeing it catching on big-time in the business world. Most of my "leaders" have been anything but...nastiness, incompetence and cluelessness seem to rule in my experience.

And how does that impact your working style? How do you react to them?"

Well I loathe, detest and resent them of course. I could do their job but they couldn't do mine.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Interesting concept, but can't really seeing it catching on big-time in the business world. Most of my "leaders" have been anything but...nastiness, incompetence and cluelessness seem to rule in my experience.

And how does that impact your working style? How do you react to them?

Well I loathe, detest and resent them of course. I could do their job but they couldn't do mine."

So if they took the time to involve you, ask for your input and express thanks that would make you work harder?

I know it would me. Question is, how do we get them to do it?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

The article also made me think about a book I've read called Legacy by James Kerr.

He spent time with the New Zealand All Blacks to try to discover some of the secrets to them being so successful for such a long time.

One concept that they use is the idea of 'sweeping the sheds'. After a match and the post match showers and debriefs etc the captain and senior players grab a brush each and help to tidy the changing room before the team leaves. The notion is that it doesn't matter how important you are on the pitch, you keep your feet on the ground and do the little things to help others and stay humble.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sadly I think human nature is such that there will always be nastiness/bullying/one-upmanship in the workplace. I just can't wait to retire and get out of it.

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By *ed wineMan
over a year ago

Where the streets have no name

OP, the model of leadership that you are promoting is similar at that one called in Sociology "Authentic leadership" ( could be as well "Transformational leadership" in evolving environments).

It is being studied widely and it seems to be more effective than other traditional styles of leadership ( charismatic, dictatorial, etc)

The only problem with it is that requires one trait of personality in the leader: empathy.

And that is something scarce in our society

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By *ed wineMan
over a year ago

Where the streets have no name

So, if you are able to share empathy in your team, this crazy world needs more people like you, my friend...

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"OP, the model of leadership that you are promoting is similar at that one called in Sociology "Authentic leadership" ( could be as well "Transformational leadership" in evolving environments).

It is being studied widely and it seems to be more effective than other traditional styles of leadership ( charismatic, dictatorial, etc)

The only problem with it is that requires one trait of personality in the leader: empathy.

And that is something scarce in our society "

I will go and look up some of that research - thanks.

I can't do dictatorial it just doesn't sit well with me at all. Every member of my team is a professional person with experiences and talents. I just feel it would be crazy to assume that I know better in everything just because they report to me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I thought we were talking about political leaders for some reason. Re-scanning the OP not sure how i cam to that conclusion.

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By *ed wineMan
over a year ago

Where the streets have no name


"I thought we were talking about political leaders for some reason. Re-scanning the OP not sure how i cam to that conclusion."

Political or professional, there are no many differences in the styles. Just on the effect of their decisions.

Imagine how would be Hitler commanding a patrol in the WWWI when he was just a corporal...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

This is a fascinating area.

Some related topics are Servant Leadership - Robert Greenleaf

Daniel Goleman's work on Primal Leadership "Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence" and his Six Leadership Styles

And my favourite

Bill Torbert's work in Action Inquiry "The Secret of Timely and Transforming Leadership'

I know a bit about this stuff but it's a lifelong quest learning to become a transforming leader

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I thought we were talking about political leaders for some reason. Re-scanning the OP not sure how i came to that conclusion.

Political or professional, there are no many differences in the styles. Just on the effect of their decisions.

Imagine how would be Hitler commanding a patrol in the WWWI when he was just a corporal..."

To me there wasn't really any unforced compromise or listening when i thought about the political leaders.

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By *risky_MareWoman
over a year ago

...Up on the Downs

To my mind meekness is about having power and not wielding it - I can do that in leadership, but not humility really - I was more of a benevolent dictator lol!! You don't have to be one end of the spectrum or the other - I was demanding, but fair, and encouraged innovation.

I worked in a team with my ex who did the empathetic visionary thing, so we covered a lot of ground between us. He inspired everyone, but I had to make it happen.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"To my mind meekness is about having power and not wielding it - I can do that in leadership, but not humility really - I was more of a benevolent dictator lol!! You don't have to be one end of the spectrum or the other - I was demanding, but fair, and encouraged innovation.

I worked in a team with my ex who did the empathetic visionary thing, so we covered a lot of ground between us. He inspired everyone, but I had to make it happen."

Interesting - teamwork leadership. Was he a 'current' at the time rather than an ex?

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By *risky_MareWoman
over a year ago

...Up on the Downs


"To my mind meekness is about having power and not wielding it - I can do that in leadership, but not humility really - I was more of a benevolent dictator lol!! You don't have to be one end of the spectrum or the other - I was demanding, but fair, and encouraged innovation.

I worked in a team with my ex who did the empathetic visionary thing, so we covered a lot of ground between us. He inspired everyone, but I had to make it happen.

Interesting - teamwork leadership. Was he a 'current' at the time rather than an ex?"

Yes, we worked together most of our married lives. That bit worked really well lol!

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"To my mind meekness is about having power and not wielding it - I can do that in leadership, but not humility really - I was more of a benevolent dictator lol!! You don't have to be one end of the spectrum or the other - I was demanding, but fair, and encouraged innovation.

I worked in a team with my ex who did the empathetic visionary thing, so we covered a lot of ground between us. He inspired everyone, but I had to make it happen.

Interesting - teamwork leadership. Was he a 'current' at the time rather than an ex?

Yes, we worked together most of our married lives. That bit worked really well lol! "

I'm not allowed to manage the wife - company policy and all but we would probably be the same. She is very much 'want it done' and I look to involve people more. I am learning that some people just want to be led though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In my opinion and experience humility isn't enough to be an effective leader - that said it helps a lot, and it's far better than the 'alpha-male' 'I'm right until it all goes wrong for all to see' attitude.

A big part of good leadership is respecting and understanding the needs of all parts of the organisation.

Best example I can give is when I went out with my cousin and his pals in the forces and we got chatting. They all said they would rather have to obey ever order from a commander who was good with logistics, over someone who was a courageous commander...because just like private and public organisations, and our society, an army runs on logistics of vary kinds.

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By *risky_MareWoman
over a year ago

...Up on the Downs


"To my mind meekness is about having power and not wielding it - I can do that in leadership, but not humility really - I was more of a benevolent dictator lol!! You don't have to be one end of the spectrum or the other - I was demanding, but fair, and encouraged innovation.

I worked in a team with my ex who did the empathetic visionary thing, so we covered a lot of ground between us. He inspired everyone, but I had to make it happen.

Interesting - teamwork leadership. Was he a 'current' at the time rather than an ex?

Yes, we worked together most of our married lives. That bit worked really well lol!

I'm not allowed to manage the wife - company policy and all but we would probably be the same. She is very much 'want it done' and I look to involve people more. I am learning that some people just want to be led though"

He certainly never managed me, haha!

I suppose I was something of a perfectionist, people learned that 'That'll do' would never work for me, it had to be right. The results spoke for themselves though, and that was appreciated by those who worked with me and for me.

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