Leadership Humility Myths Fears & Truths | #LeadMorale #PeopleSkills

Leadership Humility Myths: Replace Them w/ Truths

Leadership humility conjures varied and vivid images in different leaders’ minds. Yet, the images seem to fall into opposite camps: wimpy indecisiveness or self-confidence without arrogance. It’s fair to say that if your image of leadership humility is one of weakness then you are not likely to be humble.

On the other hand if you see humility in leadership as the self-confident strength to lead others to greatness, then you don’t suffer the following myths and fears that other leaders do.



Leadership Humility Myths: Image is tall check pieces and one bends.

Leadership Humility Myths Fears & Truths. Image by Finn Mac Ginty via Flickr.

Finn Mac Ginty via Flickr Creative Commons License.


Leadership Humility Myths & Fears

However, if you want to move from seeing leadership humility as weakness to embracing its strength, then reflect on your own fears. Fears create myths or keep current ones alive. What common fear-based leadership humility myths stop you from developing the strength of leadership humility?


Leadership Humility Fears – Weakness

Fear of being a weak leader.

New leaders, transitional leaders, and long time leaders all know they have strengths and weaknesses. Those who sense their own weaknesses more than their strengths often fear being seen as a weak leader. Will people see them as too nice to lead? From this fear comes the myth that humility in leadership is indecisive weakness.


Leadership Humility Fears – Disrespect

Fear of being disrespected.

Like dominoes, one fear based myth leads to another. Leaders who believe that leadership humility is indecisive weakness, fear being disrespected as a wimp. They then embrace the myth that being a non-humble leader builds respect. Certainly, there are many real problems that develop under weak leaders including bullying among teams, power struggles, culture of blame, finger pointing, low morale, and even chaos. The same problems can develop with non-humble leaders. I have seen both — over and over and over. Yet strong humble leaders prevent many of these problems and can solve the others with the trust and respect they build.


Leadership Humility Fears – Entanglement

Fear of entanglement.

This fear is often subconscious and hidden from leaders’ awareness. There are personality types as well as past experiences that drive leaders to avoid true connection with those they lead. They see connection as entanglement and loss of objectivity. They then attach this fear to humility in leadership. They form the false conclusion that humble leaders lose their objectivity and can’t handle tough conversations with employees. This is one of the leadership humility myths. Yet, humility does not cause a loss of objectivity. In fact, it strengthens it. Humility keeps you in learning mode and objectivity comes through knowledge.


Leadership Humility Truths

Humility elevates purpose above the personal.

Leaders’ humility guides all toward the greater goals instead of personal whimsy. It balances the empathy to connect with the objectivity to achieve.

Humility celebrates all talents encouraging all to contribute for success.

Leaders’ humility naturally inspires, for it highlights everyone’s abilities instead of just the leaders’ strengths.

Humility removes the veneer and shows leaders’ greatness.

Humility is transparent. It shows who and what leaders are. Team members trust this authenticity and engage without the distraction of hidden agendas and politics.

Humility is stronger than any yell!

Leaders who check their egos at the door have far greater influence. Humility keeps leaders listening. Humility replaces the ego which feeds conflict — with “we go“ that lessens conflict. This inspires contribution and models ideal teamwork. Don’t get stuck in leadership humility myths. Don’t be a dominating solo type leader demanding teamwork.

Humility smooths resistance to change and growth.

Humility fosters continuous learning. It allows and encourages everyone to learn from mistakes for the benefit of all. This is a prerequisite to change and growth — the secret to business success. Humility in leadership feeds a culture of learning and flexibility. No one method, nor practice, nor view, nor person is labeled as best. The goal is to listen, perform, learn, and succeed.



Humility is not weakness. It is the strength of giving.




“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ~ C.S. Lewis



Have you ever worked for or with a humble leader? What was it like?



From my professional experience to your success,
Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™

Related Posts:
Leadership: What’s So Hot About Humility Anyway?
Never Confuse Humility With Humiliation

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Kate Nasser, The People Skills Coach™, delivers coaching, consulting, training, and keynotes on leading change, employee engagement, teamwork, and delivering the ultimate customer service. She turns interaction obstacles into interpersonal success. See this site for workshop outlines, keynote footage, and customer results.

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4 Responses to “Leadership Humility Myths Fears & Truths | #LeadMorale #PeopleSkills”

  1. […] Leadership Humility TruthsHumility elevates purpose above the personal.Leaders’ humility guides all toward the greater goals instead of personal whimsy. It balances the empathy to connect with the objectivity to achieve.Humility celebrates all talents encouraging all to contribute for success.Leaders’ humility naturally inspires, for it highlights everyone’s abilities instead of just the leaders’ strengths.Humility removes the veneer and shows leaders’ greatness.Humility is transparent. It shows who and what leaders are. Team members trust this authenticity and engage without the distraction of hidden agendas and politics.  […]

  2. […] Leadership Humility TruthsHumility elevates purpose above the personal.Leaders’ humility guides all toward the greater goals instead of personal whimsy. It balances the empathy to connect with the objectivity to achieve.Humility celebrates all talents encouraging all to contribute for success.Leaders’ humility naturally inspires, for it highlights everyone’s abilities instead of just the leaders’ strengths.Humility removes the veneer and shows leaders’ greatness.Humility is transparent. It shows who and what leaders are. Team members trust this authenticity and engage without the distraction of hidden agendas and politics.Humility is stronger than any yell!Leaders who check their egos at the door have far greater influence. Humility keeps leaders listening. Humility replaces the ego which feeds conflict — with “we go“ that lessens conflict. This inspires contribution and models ideal teamwork. Don’t get stuck in leadership humility myths. Don’t be a dominating solo type leader demanding teamwork.  […]

  3. It took me years to get over the fears described in this article. But I can say that once I did, my whole professional world changed. It was easier for me to build relationships, to inspire my team into achieving greatness, and to achieve personal success. And the funny thing is, none of the things I feared actually came true.

    • Kate Nasser says:

      Dear Marta,
      I am so grateful for your sharing first-hand personal experience on this post. Most especially to hear to say that none of the things you feared actually came true is a declaration I applaud. Bravo to you and best wishes for continued success!
      Kate

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