Humility in leadership is a powerful yet underestimated quality. It’s about being confident enough to admit mistakes, seeking input from others, and prioritizing group success over personal ego. In the workplace, leaders who lead with humility build stronger teams, make better decisions, and create a more inclusive environment.
This article will explore the importance of humility in leadership, the traits that define humble leaders, and the potential challenges of this approach. You'll also find practical tips on leading with humility and answers to common questions about it.
What is humility in leadership?
Humility in leadership is the ability to lead without letting your ego or personal ambition overshadow the team or organization's needs. A humble leader is confident yet grounded, recognizing their own limitations and valuing the perspectives and contributions of others.
Humility is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or indecision—but it’s quite the opposite. Humble leaders show strength through their willingness to be open, vulnerable, and adaptable. They’re not afraid to admit when they’re wrong or seek guidance from their teams, which builds trust and credibility.
Unlike arrogance, which isolates and discourages collaboration, humility creates space for diverse ideas and meaningful discussions. Humility is about making intentional choices to foster growth, respect, and accountability within a team.
Why is it important to be a humble leader?
One of the primary reasons humility matters in leadership is because it helps create trust. When leaders admit they don’t have all the answers and acknowledge their mistakes, they demonstrate authenticity and transparency. This openness fosters trust among team members, who feel more confident sharing ideas or addressing challenges without fear of judgment.
Humility also plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. A humble leader values input from all team members, ensuring diverse voices are heard and respected and also giving others space to shine and grow. When employees feel supported and trusted, they’re more likely to take initiative, innovate, and exceed expectations.
Humility and leadership are closely tied to integrity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand their strengths and limitations are better equipped to navigate challenges with empathy and fairness. They lead by example, demonstrating how to handle conflict, manage emotions, and maintain ethical standards.
Your next leadership role might be here—browse amazing opportunities on The Muse »
Characteristics of a humble leader
A humble leader is defined by their approach to leadership and relationships with others. Here are some key traits that make a leader humble.
They’re self-aware and open to feedback
Humble leaders are highly self-aware, understanding their strengths and weaknesses. They’re also open to feedback from their teams and peers, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.
They’re not afraid to admit mistakes and learn from them
Rather than protecting their ego, humble leaders see mistakes as learning opportunities and are quick to own up to them, which fosters a culture of accountability.
They have empathy and know how to actively listen
Humility in leadership goes hand in hand with empathy. A humble leader listens carefully to others, shows understanding, and supports their team’s well-being. This active listening strengthens relationships and helps address concerns before they become bigger problems.
They focus on the success of others, not just their own
Humble leaders focus on elevating their team. They take pride in their team's achievements rather than seeking personal glory.
They lead by example, putting values before titles
Humble leaders don’t rely on their position or title to command respect. Instead, they lead by example, embodying the values they expect from others. Their actions speak louder than their words, and they inspire others through their integrity in leadership.
Are there any disadvantages to humble leadership?
While humility in a leader brings numerous benefits, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of.
Risk of being perceived as indecisive or weak
If a leader constantly seeks input from others or avoids making tough decisions, team members might question their ability to lead, especially during high-pressure situations that require decisive action. In such cases, a humble leader must be mindful of balancing humility with assertiveness.
For example, during a product launch, if a leader keeps asking for feedback but delays setting the launch date, the team might think they're unsure. But if they gather the feedback, then confidently make the call, it shows they value collaboration but can also step up when needed.
Humility may limit a leader’s authority
A humble leader may avoid taking credit for their achievements or deflect attention away from their role in success, which can cause them to appear less authoritative. While humility is valuable, there are times when a leader needs to use their authority to maintain order, especially in high-stakes environments. Being too humble may dilute the perception of the leader’s capacity to steer the team.
For instance, let’s say a leader is praised for turning around a struggling project, but they consistently brush off credit, focusing more on the team’s efforts. While this shows humility, it could make them seem like they don’t take ownership of the success, which might lead others to question their leadership strength when tougher situations arise.
Underestimating their own influence
Humble leaders might not always realize how much they shape decisions, which can make them hesitant to step in during key moments. A humble leader needs to recognize their influence and use it when it really counts.
For example, if a team is stuck in a decision-making deadlock and the leader downplays their own insights, they could miss the opportunity to guide the team toward a resolution. In such situations, recognizing their role and stepping up can help steer the team in the right direction.
Striking a balance between humility and decisiveness
Being decisive doesn’t mean being aggressive. There are moments in leadership when leaders must take charge, make tough calls, and lead confidently. This doesn’t undermine their humility; it reinforces their ability to make informed decisions that benefit the team or organization.
Humble leaders also need to keep a clear vision. When the team is struggling or requires direction, the leader should step up with confidence, guiding workers through uncertainty. This combination of empathy and leadership ensures the team respects their authority.
Humble leaders should also know how to shift between being collaborative and authoritative based on the situation. During routine discussions, listening actively and allowing team members to express their opinions is crucial. But when facing a critical issue or a time-sensitive project, a humble leader must be willing to make decisive choices and communicate their decisions firmly.
7 tips on how to lead with humility
Cultivating humility as a leader doesn’t happen overnight—it’s an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, openness, and a genuine commitment to growth. Here are some key tips leaders can follow to nurture humility in their leadership:
1. Reflect on your actions
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of humility. By regularly reflecting on your actions, decisions, and interactions, you can identify areas for improvement. Taking time to evaluate your behavior in different situations helps you stay grounded and aware of how you come across to others.
Try this: Schedule time for personal reflection at the end of each week. Ask yourself what you did well and what could be improved in your leadership approach.
2. Embrace vulnerability
A humble leader isn’t afraid to show their human side. Sharing personal challenges, admitting mistakes, and discussing what you've learned along the way builds trust. By being open about your vulnerabilities, you show your team that it’s OK not to have all the answers.
Try this: In team meetings, share a recent mistake or challenge you’ve faced and explain what you learned from it. This humanizes you and also sets a precedent for others to be open about their own challenges.
3. Active listening
Truly listening to others—without interrupting, judging, or preparing your response while they speak—is a hallmark of humility. Humble leaders value others' opinions and give their full attention when people are speaking. Active listening shows respect for others' ideas, making them feel valued and understood.
Try this: Practice reflective listening in meetings by paraphrasing what others say to show you understand and value their input. For example, say, “So, what I hear you saying is….”
4. Admit mistakes and learn from them
Acknowledging flaws isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of strength and maturity. Humble leaders admit mistakes quickly and view them as opportunities for growth, not failure. Take responsibility for your actions and work on fixing the issue. This encourages others to do the same without fear of judgment.
Try this: If you make a mistake, publicly acknowledge it with your team and explain how you’re addressing it. Use it as a learning moment for everyone.
5. Focus on team development
Humble leaders prioritize their team’s growth and success. They actively work to develop their team members' skills, encourage career development, and provide opportunities for them to shine. Rather than focusing on personal achievements, they celebrate their team's successes and make sure they have the support needed to succeed.
Try this: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss their career goals and how you can support them in achieving those goals. Empower them by providing constructive feedback and recognizing their contributions.
6. Seek feedback
Humble leaders know that self-improvement is an ongoing journey. Actively seek feedback from your team, peers, and mentors to gain diverse perspectives on your leadership style and decisions. They see feedback as a valuable tool for growth, using it to refine their approach to leadership.
Try this: Set up regular feedback sessions with your team to encourage open, honest dialogue. Ask specific questions like, “What can I do to support you better?” or “Is there anything I can improve in my approach to leadership?” Be open to both positive and constructive feedback.
7. Practice gratitude
Recognition and appreciation go a long way in boosting motivation and engagement. Make it a point to show gratitude for your team’s efforts, big or small. By consistently acknowledging their hard work, you create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Try this: Take the time to personally thank team members for their contributions, whether through a public acknowledgment in a meeting, or a casual one-on-one conversation. Regularly highlight team achievements and express how much you value the dedication and effort put into each project.
Lead with humility
Leading with humility brings countless benefits to both leaders and their teams. It fosters trust, strengthens communication, and creates an environment where collaboration thrives. Humble leaders empower their teams by focusing on their growth, celebrating their successes, and leading by example. By practicing humility, leaders also promote a culture of mutual respect, learning, and continuous improvement.
As you reflect on your leadership style, consider how embracing humility can enhance your relationships with those you lead and create a more successful and fulfilling workplace for everyone.
FAQs
Can a leader be too humble?
While humility is an essential leadership trait, a leader can become too humble, to the point where they may be perceived as indecisive or lacking authority. Striking a balance is key. A humble leader must still be assertive when necessary, making tough decisions and standing firm in their values. The challenge lies in knowing when to listen versus when to take charge and guide the team with confidence.
How does humility impact team performance?
Humility has a powerful effect on team performance. Humble leaders create an environment where open communication and collaboration are encouraged. They foster a culture where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their ideas, leading to higher levels of innovation and creativity. When everyone feels heard and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and committed, which drives better team results.
How can humility improve decision-making in leadership?
Humility allows leaders to recognize that they don’t have all the answers, which opens the door to better decision-making. By actively listening to the ideas, feedback, and perspectives of others, a humble leader can gather a broader range of insights, leading to more informed and balanced decisions.