3 Steps to Assess Your Humility Level
We were pretty cute and then we took on our role in leadership.
Some how many babies grew into leaders who believe workplace humility is a detriment, not an advantage. Authority, power and even intimidation are best to run organizations and achieve results. Perhaps this is based on a misunderstanding of true humility: a desire to serve and a dedication to bettering others. If you wonder about your own leadership, I recommend that you start by assessing your behavior and responses to the following questions. (You can work with a trusted colleague or coach to ensure you see yourself clearly.)
Do you frequently lose your temper? Perhaps you’re short with people or pressing your points without regarding theirs. Take stock of how people respond to you. Is there an issue with your approach? If your employees try to avoid you or resist bringing up difficult topics, you may be overbearing. Focus on being calm and collected, and recognize the harm caused by a lack of kindness or empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of a person confronted with your gruff approach. Beware of passive aggression or sarcasm as these are habits that reduce trust.
Are you a focused listener? Are people frustrated because they can’t complete their sentences with you? Do you make sense of their points, or have you missed part of the conversation? Do people’s comments indicate that you don’t understand their perspective? Practice better listening skills by eliminating distractions and making a deliberate effort to grasp everything someone is saying. Imagine being quizzed on the conversation to see if you’ve caught every point. Ask questions to verify what you were told. (If this embarrasses you, use it as an incentive to listen better.) Declaring that you are seeking to be a better listener is a little humbling in and of itself and serves as a magnificent building block.
Are you too focused on your own image? Do you build yourself up at others’ expense? Do their victories end up on your bragging list to impress? Do you give your people a chance to present how they accomplished their tasks? Any attention your people draw from success reflects directly on you. Great leaders don’t need to grab credit. They earn much more respect when their people get the credit. Advance your reputation through your team’s exemplary track record. Jesus encourages us all to give to others the best – that is to love others – When we are self-focused it is impossible to be loving others and is certainly not a sign of humility.
What do you think? What do these questions reveal about your humility level? I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached here marc@moleadershipcoaching.com and on LinkedIn or text me at 714-267-2818
Here is my CALENDAR to make connecting simple
If you have yet to read my previous posts here are the links
PERSERVERENCE GETTING THE BEST FROM PEOPLE
COACHING CONVERSATIONS FEEDBACK
5 GOLDEN RULES FOR LEADERSHIP HUMILITY
POWER OF FUN PURPOSE BOUNCING BACK
GRATITUDE LISTENING INFORMATION OVERLOAD