The tomes of leadership literature have not historically hovered around the notion of humility. In fact, quite to the contrary, our historical models of leadership had far more to do with notions of men riding in on horseback to save the day, bold and brash leaders who took no prisoners, and big personalities.
The humble leader is a very different kind of animal. She is a listener who frames her own sense of self as a co-creator. The humble leader is continually about mastering the fine art of listening. It is only too easy to find examples of leadership of bluster, obstruction, and noise. It is, perhaps, more important than ever to remember that is not the only, or the most impactful, way of the leader.
The humble leader begins from a stance of understanding that meaningful decisions and impactful initiatives are informed by multiple perspectives. It is a way of being and skillset to double down on leadership that engages and empowers those divergent, sometimes dissonant, perspectives. And it all begins with listening.
I remember in my early training as a counselor in the art and skill of deep listening. Focusing, listening to the words and meaning behind them, and restating back what was said. Those are skills that are just as important to the work of the leader as they are to the work of the counselor.
How do we listen when everyone is in agreement? How do we listen when there are strong disagreements? How do we make space for silenced voices to be heard? How does leadership work when you hear vastly divergent points of view? How a leader answers those questions separates the influential leader from the mere manager.
So today - notice how you listen? Are you just biding your time until you can make your next point? In these days of Zoom meetings, are you multi-tasking while others are talking? How do we listen in ways that are meaningful and respectful and that leverage the richness that is diversity of experience, background, and point of view?
It can change everything.
I love this post and will be sharing it with colleagues and friends. Dr. Waddell, are you also the artist of this painting?