“To lead the people, walk behind them.”
– Lao Tzu
The Law of Leadership Humility: Leaders who are comfortable with themselves are less likely to not draw attention to themselves. Know the difference between thinking less of yourself and thinking of yourself less. Possess the mindset that there is always something to learn from everyone. People respect leaders who are "one of them" and humbly leading them. Share the credit; knowing there is enough to go around.
At a speakers conference where I earned my Certification as a professional speaker, I attended a breakout session with a well-known speaker leading. She is famous in speaking circles. During her presentation, she asked for a volunteer to come up on stage with her to evaluate their speaking topic and emphasis. I was the first to volunteer. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?
When she got me up on stage with her, she took me aside and quietly said, “Thank you for volunteering to be my ‘guinea pig.’ Are you sure you want to do this? It’s rare that a speaker with your certification wants to be evaluated in front of the crowd.” I answered, “How will I ever get better if I think that I am at the top of my game?” She not only gave me some invaluable guidance but offered to be accessible to me at any time. It paid off!
The times in life that I have learned the most were when I was willing to put my ego aside and take a chance to develop new skills. I have met so many leaders in life that fear being humble or human for fear it would ruin their high image. People respect leaders who are humble and add value to them, rather than claim all the glory for themselves.
“There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self.”
– Henri Frederic Amiel
Every leader wishes they had the one thing they can’t directly push a button to get… Respect. I’ve never met a leader who doesn’t want his or her people to respect them and follow them out of dedication, rather than obligation. If you want people to follow your leadership because you are the boss, you know that they will only go so far. They won’t work overtime. They rarely make suggestions. They stay quiet in meetings. They won’t put themselves on the line for you.
They are simply following you because they MUST follow to get paid and/or keep their job. Your organization will never grow much under this style of leadership.
Burning Down the House
I’m a member of a model train club in my community. It is a volunteer organization with many members who contribute to building the various layouts the club owns, taking on responsibilities and helping each other out.
Last month, our president had a crisis. He noticed that some items were missing from the clubhouse and took it upon himself to purchase security cameras to watch us in the club. He announced this in a meeting very angrily. When asked why he didn’t discuss the purchase with club funding with the executive board or the members prior to taking action, he reacted with violence.
His reaction took everyone by surprise. When a couple of members after the meeting calmly advised him to be more delicate in the matter and maybe get the board to support him next the time he felt the need to purchase expensive equipment… he resigned both his office and membership!
In his resignation email to each club member, he took swipes at... | 
