In our world of self-promotion, humility isn’t a very popular trait these days. However, to be a leader who attracts high-quality engaged people to your team or organization, it can’t be all about you. While personal branding is valuable in the complex world we live in, there’s a fine line between building your brand and allowing your ego to run wild.
If you desire to be someone people love to follow, consider the following key ideas and actions to implement in your daily leadership.
1 – Lowering Yourself Requires Strength
Too often, humility is viewed as a weakness because you’re not pounding your chest or shouting “I am the greatest!” like Muhammed Ali, but in reality, it’s a strength. It takes strength to restrain yourself from being egotistical and arrogant. It takes strength to put others’ needs above your own. It takes strength to help others win without receiving all the credit yourself.
2 – Bend Down to Lift Others Up
When you are committed to developing leaders in your organization, you must meet them on their level. In sports, when a player falls to the ground, his or her teammates rush over to help them up. They don’t stand up tall and expect them to come up to their level. Instead, they bend down to grab their hands and lift them up. To help others improve their skills and performance, bend down to meet them where they are, then help them rise up to accomplish new goals.
3 – Gain Respect by Giving Respect
Respect is earned, not simply given. Yes, there is often a “honeymoon” period when leaders receive respect simply because they are hired into certain positions, but it doesn’t last forever. Titles and roles only go so far. Respect is ultimately gained (and kept) through intentional daily actions. When you give respect to those you lead, you are more likely to receive it back. Regardless of the various roles people play in your organization, each person should be valued for who they are, as well as their unique contributions.
Imagine people feeling comfortable enough to approach you because you don’t place yourself on a self-given pedestal.
Imagine your followers trusting you to help them rise to new levels in their own leadership.
Imagine receiving respect simply because of who you are and how you treat others regardless of what roles they serve in your organization.
This can be your reality when you intentionally choose to exemplify humility. Followers appreciate humble leaders who display quiet strength and produce results without having to draw attention to themselves. This doesn’t mean you must suppress your enthusiasm or outgoing personality if that’s natural for you. It’s merely about the posture you take as you interact with your team.
In my new book, The Magnetic Leader: 18 Essential Actions of Leaders People Love to Follow, I go much deeper into Essential Action #16 – Exemplifies Humility. CLICK HERE to learn more and to purchase your copy today!
Until next time…make today GREAT!
