Humility is a virtue. No one enjoys meetings with arrogant and conceited colleagues, clients, or customers. But here's the thing: humility needs a partner – confidence. Show your humility inside, but wear your confidence like a suit of armor.
Authenticity
Being humble is important, but it shouldn't come at the expense of being genuine. People see through inauthenticity and judge you solely on your humility, not your accomplishments. Your authentic self is proud of your achievements and enjoys sharing them.
The Tale of Two Leaders
Let's look at two leaders: John and Jeff. John deflects all praise to his team, constantly using "we" pronouns. While this shows humility, it backfired when John sought a promotion. The committee promoted Jeff instead. While proud of his team's achievements, Jeff also highlighted his leadership role in their success.
The lesson? You can be humble and still accept personal credit.
Leading with Balance
Building a thriving team requires gathering everyone's perspectives to foster inclusivity, innovation, and team spirit. However, leaders must also make final decisions, leveraging their experience and skills.
The key is balance. After gathering input, make assertive choices that consider all perspectives. Remember, the outcome rests on your shoulders, so demonstrate your leadership and accountability.
Humility and Ownership
A team's mistakes ultimately reflect on the leader. You're responsible for guiding them, even if the misstep wasn't yours directly. Acknowledge mistakes with humility, but don't dwell on them. Focus on celebrating successes and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Lead confidently and firmly in your team's ability to learn and grow.
The Takeaway: Finding Your Balance
Humility is a powerful leadership trait, but it must be paired with confidence, assertive decision-making, and the ability to accept credit for one's achievements.
Reflect and Lead:
Are you a leader who leans more toward humility or confidence? How can you incorporate the missing piece to become a more well-rounded leader? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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