How can you lead with humility in a competitive or hierarchical environment?

1 Know yourself

The first step to leading with humility is to know yourself well. This means being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, your values and motivations, and your impact on others. You can use various tools and methods to assess yourself, such as personality tests, 360-degree feedback, or coaching. By knowing yourself, you can identify your areas of improvement, set realistic goals, and leverage your talents. You can also avoid falling into the traps of arrogance, insecurity, or complacency, which can hinder your growth and performance.

2 Listen and learn

The second step to leading with humility is to listen and learn from others. This means being open-minded, curious, and respectful of different perspectives and opinions. You can do this by asking questions, seeking feedback, and acknowledging your limitations. You can also learn from your peers, mentors, and role models, who can offer you valuable insights and advice. By listening and learning, you can improve your skills, knowledge, and understanding. You can also build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your team members and stakeholders.

3 Empower and serve

The third step to leading with humility is to empower and serve others. This means putting the needs and interests of your team members and organization above your own. You can do this by delegating tasks, sharing resources, and providing support and guidance. You can also serve others by volunteering, mentoring, or coaching, which can help you develop your empathy, compassion, and generosity. By empowering and serving, you can motivate, inspire, and engage your team members and organization. You can also create a positive and productive culture that fosters innovation and excellence.

4 Appreciate and celebrate

The fourth step to leading with humility is to appreciate and celebrate others. This means recognizing and rewarding the contributions and achievements of your team members and organization. You can do this by expressing gratitude, giving praise, and sharing credit. You can also celebrate others by creating opportunities for fun, recognition, and socialization, which can boost morale, loyalty, and satisfaction. By appreciating and celebrating, you can show your respect, admiration, and care for others. You can also foster a sense of belonging, pride, and joy among your team members and organization.

5 Reflect and improve

The fifth step to leading with humility is to reflect and improve yourself. This means being honest, accountable, and responsible for your actions and outcomes. You can do this by reviewing your performance, measuring your results, and identifying your gaps. You can also improve yourself by seeking feedback, learning from your mistakes, and taking action to change. By reflecting and improving, you can demonstrate your commitment, integrity, and excellence. You can also enhance your credibility, confidence, and competence as a leader.

6 Model and influence

The sixth step to leading with humility is to model and influence others. This means being a positive example and a role model for your team members and organization. You can do this by embodying the values and behaviors of servant leadership, such as humility, service, empathy, and empowerment. You can also influence others by sharing your vision, mission, and goals, and inviting them to join you. By modeling and influencing, you can create a lasting impact and a legacy as a leader. You can also inspire and empower others to become servant leaders themselves.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?