Assignment: Displays of Humility

Assignment: Displays of Humility
Assignment: Displays of Humility
Assignment: Displays of Humility
Week 13 discussion Have you ever worked with a leader that made you feel that you were more important than they? How did this make you feel? What were the circumstances? What was the outcome? If you have never experienced this kind of treatment from a leader, imagine what it would be like. Based on your response, explain how the displays of humility by a leader exemplify servant leadership. Are displays of humility required to make someone else feel more important than you? Explain your answer.
The people we admire and feel most inspired to follow are those who do not have a need to showboat their accomplishments or convince others of their greatness. Showboats are more of a turn-off than a turn-on when it comes to leadership. We are most inspired by leaders who show exceptional character, who take pride in who they are and in what they have accomplished. Humble leaders use their skills, knowledge and experience to bring people together to increase sales, improve production or quality, and give back to the community. Leaders who come from humility use their success for the greater good, rather than for self-aggrandizement.
1. Humanity
A sense of humility is vital to great leadership because it authenticates a person’s humanity. We are all human, and therefore, all flawed and vulnerable in our own unique ways. Great leaders have a depth of understanding, garnered from their experience, as to where their inherent strengths and weakness lie. This type of self-awareness is paramount to the development of humility. When leaders come off as perfect, people aren’t nearly as drawn to follow them because they feel they could never be authentic, vulnerable or accepted by someone of such high status. Being self-revealing is what brings people into connection. It is what makes people feel safe and accepted, and it is the part of each person that is open to guidance, coaching and self-improvement.
2. Balanced authority.
We are the most repulsed by loud, egotistical authority figures who lead from narrow mindedness, my-way-or-the-highway fear tactics, shame, threats and intimidation to get the results they want. Rank certainly brings status and power, but humble leaders do not use their rank as a platform to abuse. They use their position to encourage others, and to delegate authority and responsibility to those capable of doing the work. When humility is present, leaders act more like a “player’s coach.” Their position of authority is used to establish order and discipline between team members. These leaders are on the front lines helping their team to know, understand and pursue their individual and collective goals.