Discussion Board (BUSI 690)
Liberty University
How can a person become a successful leader by being humble?
Kinicki and Fugate (2018), defined leadership “as a process whereby an individual
influence a group of individuals to achieve a common goal”. And according to Owen et.al.
(2013), humility integrates self-awareness, teachability, and appreciation of the capabilities of
others. Some researchers believe that, humble leaders willingly give away their power to others,
recognizing that doing so not only empowers others and strengthens the ability of those who
have competence, but builds trust and commitment. One can also be a humble leader by
compelling modesty about his or her accomplishments, quiet determination rather than
charisma, focus on ambition rather than self, willingness to accept responsibilities for
failure and acknowledgement of the role of others in achieving success.
Why is it an important leadership trait to serve others first?
It is very important that leaders don’t see things about themselves only, but letting others
comes first. Servant-leadership focuses on increased service to others rather than to oneself
(Kinicki and Fugate, 2018). Servant-leadership is defined as “an understanding and
leadership practice that places the good of those led over the self-interest of the leader,
emphasizing leader behaviors that ultimately focus on follower development, and de-
emphasizing glorification of the leader” (Hale and Fields, 2007, p. 397). Some of the servant-
leadership characteristics includes; listening, empathy, awareness of their own strength and
weaknesses, stewardship, commitment to growth of people etc. When a leader portrays these
traits, they are less likely to get involved in selfish interest that hurts others. It will also promote
leadership effectiveness by providing needed support and growth opportunities to followers.
What is the importance of relying on Jesus’ will and ways as it relates to leadership?
As Christians, we can absolutely do nothing successfully without following our Lord and
Savior’s wills and ways. We can not just decide on our own that we want to be a good leader
with our carnal mind; we need the help of Holy Spirit. To lead like Jesus, we need to lead with
Jesus. The word of God tells us about traits that a good leader must portray. According to Titus 1:
7-14
“For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-
tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-
controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught,
so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who
contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially
those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by
teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ... ” (ESV).
Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we can not have all the above characteristics. Our
Lord Jesus Christ led by example by having intimate relationship with God and His total
dependence on the Holy Spirit to lead Him all through. Another great example would be when
Jesus Christ washed His disciples’ feet including Judas that He knows would betray Him; this is
a rare example of a great leader that taught us to do what is right regardless of our we are being
treated. In conclusion, it is very important to rely on God’s will and ways when it comes
leadership and even our daily life in general because He is the great teacher and great example to
follow if we want to succeed in life.
References
Cam Caldwell, Riki Ichiho, Verl Anderson, (2017) "Understanding level 5 leaders: the ethical
perspectives of leadership humility", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 36
Issue: 5, pp.724-732, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1108/JMD-09-2016-0184
Kinicki, A., & Fugate, M. (2018). Organizational behavior: A practical, problem-solving
approach plus Connect. McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781260180909.
Owens, B.P., Johnson, M.J. and Mitchell, T.R. (2013), “Expressed humility in organizations:
implications for performance, teams, and leadership”, Organization Science, Vol. 24
No. 5, pp. 1517-1538.
