Thought Question: Is humility a strength or an opportunity?

My good friend and West Point Classmate posed this question during a bible study discussion as it applies to professional and personal life.  It is an interesting question.  Many may view it as a strength when they discuss it with others.  But I believe (as my classmate does also) that humility is often viewed as a weakness. 

  An effective and truly confident leader does not always vocally express their thoughts.  A mature leader controls their inner self and engages with the appropriate people at an appropriate time and place. 

  Yet many senior leaders and organizations fail to recognize that maturity.  They confuse that moment of silence with inability to communicate or stand up for one’s team.  They may even subconsciously punish that leader.  Others may even try to take advantage of that leader.

  However, most often those are the truly effective leaders who are also setting an example and striving for a culture within an organization that lives up to the standards of integrity and teamwork. 

  Perhaps the challenge is that we all define humility differently.  It is quite difficult to truly be humble.  Especially in a world that values outward appearances.  The more maturity I gain, the more I understand how difficult it is to be humble and how far we often miss the mark. 

  The impact of the influence of these leaders become exponential.  They not only attain or exceed results, but they do it in a way that leaves people with dignity and the team is inspired to do better.  This type of development takes time and knowledge.  Two things that are most often in short supply. 

  There is a saying I learned in the US Army… there are three kinds of leaders…

1)      A leader who does the bare minimum.

2)      A leader who does their share and helps others but has to tell everyone what they are doing and who they are helping.

3)      A leader who carries their load and more, helps as many people as they can and has no need to tell everyone what they are doing. 

  From my perspective, this is one example of true humility and servant leadership, applicable in any organization.  It is not enough to just simply get results.  We should strive to get results while leaving people with dignity and inspiring them to be better. 

  If this perspective was helpful, please consider reading, The Point and the Lesson, for more useful perspectives on Leadership to help you and your teams win. 

  At a minimum, I hope this post inspires others to continue in their own Leadership growth, development and journey.  Keep asking the questions… Thank you.