3 Ways to Practice Leadership Humility

Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash

One thing that stands out to me in these uneven times is that leadership has taken a curious turn. We have always been subject to celebrity leadership, hero leadership, or coercive leadership. But now there is a form of leadership that I will simply call "Loud Leadership." The first three forms tend to be self-serving by courting personal fame, being the center of one's own leadership story, or doubling down on control. Loud leadership seems to desire to be the most prominent voice in the room. I'm sure social media amplifies this tendency. Much of what I see posted is rants and diatribes. Loud leadership is also on display in the halls of government, the corporate boardroom, and, at times, even the pulpit. I think the primary motive is the same--to serve oneself. Loud leadership certainly wants to be heard, but it also wants to control the conversation. It seeks recognition as a legitimate authority due to its volume. Loud leadership attempts to take up all the space in the room--whether a physical room or a virtual one.

All four of the aforementioned forms of leadership have the common element of pride. I am not talking about reasonable self-esteem that can aid confident leadership. I'm talking about exaggerated self-esteem leading to conceit. This kind of pride has at its core that life and leadership are all about the leader. To be clear, every leader is prone to some form of prideful leadership--at various times or over time. Therefore, every leader should build the habit of periodic self-examination. Is my leadership trending towards one of the previous four forms, or are people experiencing me as a humble servant leader? By the way, you will need to include a few trusted others to aid you in your self-examination. Be sure they are friends who observe you often and are committed to telling you the truth. We are too self-deceived to see ourselves by ourselves.

Servant leadership rests on virtues and solid values that express themselves through trusted behaviors. At its very core, servant leadership is built on humility. Humility is free from destructive forms of pride and arrogance. Humility does not coincide with being haughty. At a foundational level, the word "humility" means "lowly." This type of humility is not a form of self-deprecation. It's a choice that proceeds from cultivated character. Servant leadership is always intentional, but also quieter. I'd like to propose three challenging yet straightforward practices for cultivating leadership humility. There are times we believe our way into acting, and other times when we must act our way into believing.

Prioritize others before yourself

Prioritizing others requires a conscious choice. If you carry a leadership title, you will undoubtedly be prioritized by those below you and many others around you. Over time, you may begin to align with their estimation of you. Reject the tendency to do so. If you accept the priority of your position, you will likely lead in more self-serving ways over time. People become resources instead of co-laborers. Every titled leader takes up space when they enter a room. Will you consciously make space for others as you enter the room? You may need to make this choice several times a day, depending on your schedule and agenda.

Release the need to be recognized

Seeking prominence is dangerous. You likely know that one definition of prominence is "a cliff." Prominence is the desire to stand out, not merely to differentiate. Leadership prominence demands the best seat, craves the podium, and relishes the platform. Prominence wants to be conspicuous to be known as necessary. Instead, choose the way of obscurity when possible. Take a common seat. Empower someone else to be at the podium. Lend your platform to help others succeed.

Extend kindness without condition

This is the leadership practice of noticing. I have said this before in other articles, but leadership has two main assets: presence and voice. Use your titled presence and voice to strengthen and encourage others. Notice them. Give them your full attention. Did you know that the primary word for "presence" in the original languages of the Bible means "face?" Your leadership presence is about giving others your whole face. Take time to know someone's name and a bit of their story. And here is the kicker--without expecting anything in return. Don't be transactional in your leadership presence. Simply give of yourself without expecting anything in return.

These three practices will place you a path of healthy "lowliness." They will also guide you on a path of safety, helping to prevent the pursuit of celebrity, hero status, power dynamics, or being the loudest person in the room.

By the way, all three practices are elucidated in the Bible. Take some time to read Philippians 2:3, Luke 14:7-11, and Luke 6:32-36. I hope you continue to be very intentional about your daily practice of servant leadership.

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