Humility and Leadership
Whether you’re a fan of Mark Cuban from the TV show Shark Tank or not, you probably acknowledge he is a successful business leader.
On a recent podcast appearance, he shared some thoughts on leadership that got me thinking. He said one of the things he tries to do in any leadership situation is to get to know what everyone does—including people who do the most mundane tasks in the organization. He said that there is no job he wouldn’t do. While Cuban doesn’t use this word, I think he is talking about humility, more precisely humility and leadership.
That is a powerful idea and one I have tried to live by when I’ve been in leadership roles. I found one of the best ways to get to know staff members was to find a way to work alongside them for a while. It was a wonderful way to connect with them as human beings and to demonstrate a level of humility.
I recently read Brene’ Brown’s book, Atlas of the Heart, Applying Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. It is a beautifully crafted book that is filled with lessons that can help us personally as much as in leadership situations.
Brown defines humility this way: “Humility is openness to new learning combined with a balanced and accurate assessment of our contributions, including our strengths, imperfections, and opportunities for growth.”
She goes on to talk about something she calls “intellectual humility.” She says people who possess intellectual humility “don’t lack confidence or conviction.” While they may feel strongly about a particular topic, they are also open to listening to what other people may think on that topic. They are curious and can also take in new information and let it influence their thoughts. They are also willing to admit when they’re wrong.
Many years ago, President John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions can inspire others to dream more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
His words are as right for today as they were back in the early part of our country’s history. In fact, I think they are more meaningful today in our complicated and divided world. A strong leader has to be able to go well beyond the basics of hiring, engaging, developing, and retaining the right people. They have to connect with their staff members in new ways in order to have a successful organization. Being a humble leader can and will make a positive difference.
As the author of Good to Great, Jim Collins said, “The X factor of great leadership is not personality, it’s humility.”