Humility is a word that can come off negatively. This is likely because it is easy to think of humiliation when you hear the word. But in actuality, humility is a positive trait that means that you are humble. We have finished the list of 21 indispensable characteristics of a good leader, but we are not done teaching our students important leadership lessons. Humility is one of the most important traits for a leader to possess.

Nobody likes a sore loser, but nobody likes a sore winner either. We teach our kids from a young age the difference between having pride in your performance and gloating. We have some exceptional students at our school, and these students bring home lots of trophies and awards. It’s easy to get caught up in this feeling. We praise our students for their successes, and we do celebrate big wins, but we strive to make sure that no one gets a big head.

Similarly, for us, we are coming off a year with a stellar accreditation review, and we are anticipating great growth in the coming year. Among all of these accolades, we have to hold each other accountable and stay humble. In both situations (students and school), it is important to remember how we got here. Just like our student’s successes, it was not because of individual greatness but because of hard work and dedication. Remembering our morals and ethics can keep us grounded. 

A good way that many people look at humility is not to think less of yourself, but to think of yourself less. We have discussed in several of these traits the importance of putting other’s needs before our own. Leaders who believe they are better than their employees are not good leaders. This attitude creates a hostile environment which can lead to a lot of turnover in your staff. A good leader is willing to work in the trenches when needed. Throw out the idea that a job is beneath you. A staff that knows that you are willing to work with them and for them has all the potential to become highly productive and fiercely loyal. 

I saw a great quote with an unknown source that said, “When I talk to a manager, I get the idea that they are important. When I talk to a leader, I get the idea that I am important.” This idea is what separates middle management from executives, directors, and CEO. You do not want your staff to walk away from a conversation feeling inadequate. You should leave them feeling empowered. This in turn will inspire productivity. The best ideas come from employees who believe in themselves. If you are the type of leader who reminds employees why they are beneath you, do not be surprised when they lack the confidence to present visionary ideas. 

Having humility as a leader will keep you grounded and in touch with reality. It will also create a better work environment for those around you. When you have a healthy and respectful working environment, good ideas, positivity, and productivity can flourish. It is important that you model openness with your employees. People have such diverse backgrounds and experiences, and you never know what breadth of knowledge someone has to offer. Good ideas can come from any level of employee, but only if that employee feels empowered to share these ideas. If you want to be the kind of leader with a loyal, powerful, visionary staff, you must practice humility and put the needs of the employee before your own ego. 

-          Bria