The Most Important Trait for Leaders

This is a wonderful time of year when many of us soften our hearts, slow down, and give thanks for all of our many blessings in life.  During this Thanksgiving season I’d like to focus on a leadership trait which is perhaps the absolute most important to possess in order to become a great leader yet is seldom talked about and discussed.  In fact, this trait would probably be towards the bottom of the list when labeling the qualities of history’s great leaders yet most of them possessed it.  And I am convinced that this trait is perhaps the most significant and important to a leader’s success.  The trait is humility. 

In leadership, humility can be very rare as many leaders allow their position to enlarge their ego making them think they may be superior to those they lead.  Humility on the other hand has no arrogance or proudness, deflects ego, and gives credit to others whenever there is success.  Humble leaders shun attention and are never boastful.   Humble leaders therefore stand out and inspire others to follow because of their humility.     

Humility is often what separates the great leaders from simply the good.  Arrogance and pride often leads to a leader’s demise.  Leaders who possess humility on the other hand earn and keep the trust and respect of those who follow them.  One reason is because humility allows leaders to focus on what is most important rather than on who is most important.  

Because of the scarcity of it among leaders, those who are truly humble are instantly unique.  Those who are humble do not focus on themselves but rather on others.   Humility makes decision making clearer as arrogance or pride can cloud our vision.  Humility opens doors for leaders that would otherwise stay closed because it permits leaders to be open-minded and seek the best solutions rather than simply protecting their point of view.

Many people associate humility with meekness or weakness but in great leaders, it is a source of strength.  Rather than feeling the need to toot their own horn frequently, they instead have the discipline to work hard and quietly get results without the need of parading their accomplishments around.  Humble leaders are secure with who they are and do not require recognition from others.

Finally, humility makes a leader more grateful for others and helps them recognize the great contribution of others toward their success.  No leader has ever gained success without help from many. 

This Thanksgiving season I encourage all of us to practice just a little more humility.  Find ways to listen to others point of view, avoid being boastful, give sincere thanks as often as possible, and try saying “you are right.”  As we learn to be humble, our leadership capabilities will greatly expand and our influence for good will increase.  Happy Thanksgiving.