Characteristics of Humility

A friend of mine had a business meeting with a client.  He later shared with me his surprise when the CEO offered him a cup of coffee and then proceeded to pour and serve it to him.  He said, “The CEO poured me a cup of coffee!  Not his assistant, but the CEO!”

My friend was so surprised, because too often a trait that is consistently missing in today’s leaders is HUMILITY. 

Leaders must be willing to get out of themselves and look at the whole instead of the part.  We need leaders who can encourage people with enthusiasm, confidence and most importantly, humility.

But what does a humble leader look like?

• Does not consider himself/herself above certain tasks
• Acknowledges when someone has a better idea
• Admits when they are wrong
• Willing to serve someone else, even if they are a subordinate
• Understands that it is not about their needs and wants
• Quickly gives credit where credit is due

Can you name one leader in the public eye that has demonstrated humility?

 

Real Leadership Qualities

This past week the Republicans started the first in a series of debates.  After the debate a focus group was held to get the opinions of people participating in the group.  They were asked what they liked or disliked about each candidate?  The one word that consistently came out was leadership and leadership qualities.  The people of this country are thirsting for real leadership.  The American people are looking for men and women who will say what they are going to do and do what they say.  Real leadership involves several key ingredients:

A Leadership Philosophy

A leader must lead with a clear vision, create a vivid picture of where to go, as well as a have a firm grasp on what success looks like and how to achieve it.  The leader must communicate clearly, passionately, honestly and often. 

A Set of Operating Principles

A good leader must have the discipline to work toward his or her vision single-mindedly, as well as to direct his or her actions and those of the team toward the goal. Action is the mark of a leader. A leader does not suffer “analysis paralysis” but is always doing something in pursuit of the vision, and inspiring others to do the same.

Integrity is the integration of outward actions and inner values. A person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. Integrity is who you are even when no one is around. 

Dedication means spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. By setting an excellent example, leaders can show followers that there are no nine-to-five jobs on the 9+ team, only opportunities to achieve something great, together.

Fairness means dealing with others consistently and justly. A leader must check all the facts and hear everyone out before passing judgment. A leader must avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information. When people feel they that are being treated fairly, they are more apt to be loyal and dedicated employees.

Humility. Leaders with humility recognize that they are no better or worse than other members of the team. A humble leader tries to elevate everyone.

Openness means being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Openness builds mutual respect and trust between leaders and followers, and it also keeps the team well supplied with new ideas that can further its vision.

Acknowledging Contributions means giving credit where it is due. A magnanimous leader ensures that credit for successes is spread as widely as possible throughout the company. On the other hand, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures.  My philosophy has always been my team will get the credit when we succeed and I will take the blame when we fail. 

A sense of humor is important to relieving tension as well as to bring calm to hostile situations.  Effective leaders know how to use humor to energize followers.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a few traits I believe are important in a leader.  As we move closer to the next Presidential election, what key traits are most important to you in a candidate?

Humble Pie

Have you ever had this conversation with one of your children or with one of your parents? “I am the parent and you are the child. When I tell you to do something it should be, ‘Yes Dad,’ or ‘Yes Mom.’” Sometimes as a parent you may feel like you do not have to explain yourself to your child or that you have all of the answers.

I was engaged in a conversation with my son in which I knew I was right. I made sure that he understood that I was right and that no further discussion really was necessary. After a mild protest he finally gave in, (and not a minute too soon).

After he went upstairs to his room, my wife in her own motherly way and with wisdom and patience showed me the error in my position. As it turned out in this instance my son was right and I was wrong.

Have you ever eaten humble pie? The main ingredient is humility, but other critical ingredients are understanding, sincerity and love. It does not taste good going in, but once it settles in your stomach it gradually satisfies.

After letting the situation soak in a bit, I made the trek upstairs and knocked gently on my son’s door. He opened it and I said that I was sorry that I did not hear him out and asked for his forgiveness. He forgave and we hugged. What a great feeling!

As a leader you have to be willing to be held accountable for the things you both do and say to the people you lead, whether at work or at home. Simply saying, “I am the boss,” or “I am the parent is flawed leadership.

How you handle matters with the people you lead can have either a negative or positive long-term impact on your relationship. Admitting when you are wrong is not a sign of weakness, but respect and strength.

I don’t know about you, but I'd rather eat apple pie.

Motivational Leadership

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to be there to help motivate someone? How did you handle it? Do you believe that it’s possible to help others to become better? Below are some of my favorite quotes associated with what I believe to be essential leadership characteristics:

Success

"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value."

—Albert Einstein

Vision

"The very essence of leadership is [that] you have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet."

— Theodore Hesburgh

Passion

"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."

— E. M. Forste

Determination

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."

— Vince Lombardi

Communication

"The basic building block of good communications is the feeling that every human being is unique and of value."

— Unknown

Humility

"Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right."

— Ezra Taft Benso

Honesty

"I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."

— George Washington

Commitment

"People do not follow uncommitted leaders. Commitment can be displayed in a full range of matters to include the work hours you choose to maintain, how you work to improve your abilities, or what you do for your fellow workers at personal sacrifice."

— Stephen Gregg

Chairman and CEO of Ethix Corp

Although cleverly crafted motivational words alone may not be sufficient to move people to rise above negative circumstances, they can provide inspirational points of light to an individual or individuals that help them regain focus during trying times.

What is your favorite motivational quote?