In last week’s blog post we explored some of the most common leadership paradigms, and the most popular opinion on humility as a leadership trait. Many bosses still enjoy being bosses, with the authority and privileges the role affords, however more and more people are beginning to see the benefits of showing humility within the workplace.
Humility’s Advantages
Employee mindsets have shifted from previous generations, according to current data. They want much more than a paycheque, seeking interpersonal connections with their leaders. They desire purpose, significance, and the fulfillment associated with making a difference in the workplace. Employees want to contribute value and enjoy meaningful work. They need assurances that they’ll be given the opportunity to succeed at the tasks they’re assigned. They want to be valued, supported, and encouraged. They’re looking for leaders who will connect with them and meet these needs.
When employees’ needs go unmet, the organization also suffers. Morale and attitudes steeply decline, and engagement and work ethic follow suit. Productivity and effectiveness drop, and overall business performance significantly deteriorates.
Humble leaders are more adept at meeting people’s needs because they connect with them at the most basic human level, explain organizational leadership consultants Merwyn A. Hayes and Michael D. Comer in Start with Humility: Lessons from America’s Quiet CEOs on How to Build Trust and Inspire Followers. Employees sense sincerity, care, and openness in a humble leader. They see someone who puts a higher priority on other people’s needs than his or her own. They value a leader who will help them succeed and develop into a better worker, which promotes purpose and self-esteem. Employees become inspired and respond with respect and trust.
When encountering humility, employees feel they are listened to and heard, and their best interests are served. They experience humble leaders growing and empowering them, rather than controlling or manipulating them. Humility allows leaders to relate to their people more personably, fairly, and reasonably. Humble leaders deemphasize their own importance by emphasizing their people’s worth.
A leader’s desire to meet people’s needs cultivates a loyal following and promotes positive responses. The entire organization benefits when people and practices operate optimally and life at work is enjoyable.
If you’re ready to make some changes to your leadership style and would like guidance in doing so, the herd and I are here to help with our coaching programs. As always, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
