How can a person become a successful leader by being humble?
The character trait of being humble is one of the most important traits in anyone, but it is
especially important for those that lead. Humilty is a hard trait to learn, for others it comes
naturally. A humble leader makes their followers feel like they are important and heard. They
also treat their followers as equals and not make them feel like they are less than. It’s also crucial
for leaders to lead by example. This will earn the leader respect among their followers and create
of culture of humility.
The Journal of Business Ethics published an article back in 2017 that examined the
concept of servant leadership and effect of the interaction between humility, action and
hiergraphical power on follower engagement. The article noted, “A leader initiates, provides the
ideas and the structure, and takes the risk of failure along with the chance of success. This means
that servant leadership implies a balancing act between an overall humble attitude of service and
behaviors that instill action and efficacy” (Sousa & Dierendonck, 2017, pg. 14).
Another article published by the Journal of Business Ethics in the year prior discussed
the topic of humility in business. The article noted that humility in a Christian context “has been
seen as relating to a specific role or place within the divine order. In other words, humility is a
personal trait but exercised within a hierarchical and transcendent context” (Frostenson, 2016,
pg. 92).
Why is it an important leadership trait to serve others first?
The reason why it is important for leaders to serve others first is because it shows the
followers of the organization the bigger picture, otherwise known as the mission. Servant
leadership while not revered by many people in business, as a Christian it is what we should
strive for. In the book of Mark we learn of servant leadership in,
“And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are
considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise
authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be
great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you
must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45).
What is the importance of relying on Jesus’ will and ways as it relates to leadership?
As a child of GOD, we must always rely on Jesus’ will and ways to guide us as we
navigate through life. Since this is true, for those chosen as leaders professionally and in our
personal endeavors, we must always keep in mind the teachings of Robert Greenleaf. The
importance of servant leadership and humility in leaders is key to success because it forces the
leader to put the company or employees before themselves. When you lead in this way, you are
more likely to think about how your decisions will affect everyone in the organization, not just
the senior management team. For me, as a Christian and as a natural leader, I strive to look to
Jesus for guidance. In the bible, there are many examples of how Jesus lead and I try to use them
in my everyday life.
References
Frostenson, M. (2016). Humility in Business: A Contextual Approach. Journal of Business
Ethics, 138(1), 91–102.http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?
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Sousa, M., & Dierendonck, D. (2017). Servant Leadership and the Effect of the Interaction
Between Humility, Action, and Hierarchical Power on Follower Engagement. Journal of
Business Ethics, 141(1), 13–25.http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?
