Leader.
When you read that word, what comes to mind first? Position, power, prestige, control, in-charge, boss . . . . . . .
What about humility? In his classic book Good to Great Jim Collins describes a level five leader. What makes one a level five leader? Humility and drive. Before going any further let me suggest humility is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less.
Here is the challenge leaders may believe. If I am being humble then people will walk all over me. If there is no determination and drive coupled with that humility then possibly, but may I suggest three areas a leader can benefit from demonstrating humility.
People
I am a very task-oriented person naturally. I like to be productive and get stuff done. My guess as a leader reading this you at least have a little of that in you. Unfortunately, in my drive to accomplish I have often failed to slow down enough to connect with those I am working alongside. More times than I want to admit I have had to apologize to an individual either at work or home for my insensitivity. Oftentimes this is a very humbling moment.
When leading, we work with people. We are all complex and often as the leader we need to slow down enough to understand the needs of others and have the humility to realize we are not the smartest person in the room and if we are . . . we are missing something.
Process
Some leaders swing so far to the relationship side of the equation they are reluctant to create structure either out of ignorance on how or reluctance. In order to lead something of significance process and systems will be necessary at some point. Processes for communication, delivery of products or services, administrative duties, and more.
At times, the challenge for a leader is process creation may require admitting our way may not be the best way. We must let go of control and entrust others with the task that we may have done for a long time in the beginning. At first this letting go process can be painful in some areas, but ultimately it creates a culture to develop more leaders and enables the leader to work in his or her strength zone.
Perspective
Years ago Daniel Goleman introduced the concept of emotional intelligence. In his book Primal Leadership (an excellent resource for leaders) he states that “self-management . . . .is the component of emotional intelligence that frees us from being a prisoner of our feelings.” Put another way we have to have appropriate perspective as leaders.
I know often either in my leadership at work or home I will make something small into something large simply by over-reacting. Part of being a leader is problem solving. When the problem comes we need the humility to admit we do not understand all of the issue and must gather appropriate people around us to provide clarity. When we have those people around us, we will have better perspective to make the best decision possible.
What about you? Where do you need to grow in humility with people, process, or perspective? A great way to continue to develop this humility and learn is by engaging in a mastermind group of similar minded people. Contact me to find out more about engaging in one this week. Lead well!
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