When I first stepped into leadership roles, I did so with an idea that it meant I had to have unwavering confidence and certainty. Learning through my own experience as a leader and the experiences of others, I have come to realize that the leaders that that inspire others, are the ones that are comfortable with not knowing, curious of what is possible, and can lean into that uncomfortable feeling and learn from it. They embrace vulnerability, are able to admit when they fall short, and have an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
Let’s examine the impact humility can have on ourselves and our teams. In this blog post, I’m going to examine how it can impact not only our own experience as a leader– but that of our teams.
Redefining Leadership
At its core, leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to achieve common goals. While confidence and decisiveness are important qualities, great leaders recognize that it is impossible to have all the answers and that their greatest strength lies in their ability to collaborate, listen, inspire, and learn from others.
Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability is viewed by some as a weakness, particularly in leadership. However, leaders who embrace vulnerability demonstrate authenticity, empathy, and a willingness to connect with others on a deeper level. By acknowledging their own imperfections and uncertainties, leaders create a culture of openness and trust where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas and concerns.
Learning from Mistakes
Mistakes are an inevitable part of the human experience, and leadership is no exception. Rather than viewing mistakes as failures, humble leaders see them as opportunities for growth and learning. They take ownership of their mistakes, reflect on what went wrong, and use the experience to inform future decisions and actions. By modeling and encouraging a growth mindset, humble leaders inspire resilience and innovation within their teams.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Leading with vulnerability encourages teams to be open to explore the unknown. It invites diverse perspectives and creates opportunities for collaboration and innovation. It also leads to a culture that prioritizes the development of their team members, provides support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Leaders who can cultivate this in their teams create a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Building Trust and Respect
Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Leaders earn the trust and respect of their team members by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and authenticity. They lead by example, treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect. By fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect, leaders create a cohesive and high-performing team that is capable of overcoming challenges and achieving shared goals.
Embracing vulnerability and leading with humility is an act of courage and strength as it requires the leaders to show up, make mistakes, and face the tough conversations. It’s about learning from mistakes and empowering others to succeed. When leaders can be seen as their imperfect, perfect selves, they give permission to others to do the same. Leading to a more inclusive, open, and collaborative culture.