Running head: DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM
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BUSI 690
Liberty University
Discussion Board Forum
How can a person become a successful leader by being humble?
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Success as a leader can be found utilizing modesty. Without humility, you cannot learn
from mistakes or problem solve with a collaborative effort (Prime & Salib, 2014a). Today’s
modern business climate is complex and not very often does one person have all the solutions.
Research conducted involving over 1,000 workers across the globe found humble leadership is
one of the critical leadership factors for producing an environment where workers from different
demographic backgrounds feel included. Furthermore, they found employees who perceived
altruistic behavior from their management also reported their organizational leadership being
more innovative (Prime & Salib, 2014b).
The Epistle to the Ephesians contains a verse, which can relate to the leadership trait of
humility and the importance of being humble, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2, English Standard Version). We as Christians
report to the Lord, and the treatment our organizational teammates should be inclusive of dignity
and respect. This treatment includes engaging in dialogue and not debates, soliciting different
viewpoints is a benefit of a humble inclusive leadership model (Prime & Salib, 2014a). Humble
leaders who are also servant leaders create a synergistic effect when they channel their self-
service or ego needs away from themselves as an individual and apply that energy to the
organization and their people they are leading by example (Collins, 2001).
Why is it an important leadership trait to serve others first?
Before serving others, one must serve God. In order to serve God, a person must first
understand who they are themselves and whom they hold as the primary consultant of their life
in this world (Blanchard, Hodges, & Hendry, 2016. p. 35). Servant leaders provide their
organizations a purpose, a vision, and declared values. The organization’s purpose or mission is
the goal in which the firm is trying to accomplish (Blanchard & Stoner, 2003). A servant leader
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is a forerunner who understands that to lead you must first be a servant to Christ. Lastly, good
leaders must first become good servants (Greenleaf, 2008).
The Gospel of John contains a verse, which can directly correlate to the concept of
servant leadership, “the one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom,
who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine
is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30, English Standard
Version). This verse involving John the Baptist relates to servant leaders and their anticipation
and acceptance for their decrease as all leaders only serve for a single season,
What is the importance of relying on Jesus’ will and ways as it relates to leadership?
Jesus was a model servant leader and leading like Jesus is not hard, if your heart is in the
right place. Leading like Jesus is not implemented without challenges. A crucial challenge when
utilizing servant leadership is realizing that the journey is not about yourself. Leadership is an
act of service, and this idea needs to be not forgotten. This journey requires relying on the faith
and guidance in the Lord and understanding his part as our role model. After all, “Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, English Standard Version).
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References
Blanchard, K., Hodges, P., Hendry, P., (2016). Lead like Jesus: revisited. [MBS Direct].
Retrieved from https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780718084974/recent
Blanchard, K., & Stoner, J. (2003). Full steam ahead: the power of visioning. San Francisco, CA:
Berrett-Koehler.
Collins, J, (2001). Good to great. New York, NY: Harper Business.
Greenleaf, R. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and
greatness. New York, NY: Paulist Press.
Prime, J. & Salib, E. (2014a). The best leaders are humble leaders. Harvard Business Review,
Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2014/05/the-best-leaders-are-humble-leaders
Prime, J. & Salib, E. (2014b). Inclusive leadership: The view from six countries [Report], New
York, NY: Catalyst
