The Impact Of Humble Leaders
by Jonathan Jones
While the charismatic leader receives considerable attention, I argue that humility is a more potent leadership quality than charisma. The pressure on the charismatic leader to remain “on” reduces the time required to step away from the business.
What happens to an organization if a charismatic leader leaves? What happens to the organization? Humility entails acknowledging the impact of each action on the company and its customers, employees, and their families. If a leader is mindful, the trait of humility can anchor into a healthy capacity to connect with others.
A modest leader’s primary emphasis is on the company and the people under their leadership. Humility stems from a sense of respect for the effort it took to get where they are, which may translate into a sense of regard for those who are also working hard to succeed. The modest leader considers their followers as peers. They view the call to leadership as a serious obligation to guarantee the success of the entire organization, not just their own.
Rather than worrying about how you seem as a leader, focus your passion and energy on establishing a strong company and let the outcomes speak for themselves. Accept responsibility for any issues that occur and work with your team to resolve them. Leverage those around you who may be wiser than you. Consider the organization’s sustainability by developing procedures to maximize the performance of outstanding individuals to accomplish desired goals. Finally, acknowledge those who achieve desired objectives; make it about their abilities, not your leadership.
While the charismatic leader receives a majority of attention, it is typically the modest leader who engages the team and achieves the outcomes necessary for the organization’s long-term success.
Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.