For Leaders-Is Humility a Weakness or Strength When Managing Your Team?

Humility Empowers Us as Leaders

As a CISO, you must have technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills to navigate today’s volatile security landscape. But I’ve discovered that the real key to success isn’t just having the answers—it’s about acknowledging when I don’t. When I lead humbly, I create an environment where my team feels trusted, valued, and empowered to step up.

It’s Not About Authority, It’s About Trust

Leadership proved I had more knowledge early in my career than anyone else. I had to have the final word. But the more I led, the more I realized something important: Leadership isn’t about being the most intelligent person in the room—it’s about making the room brighter.

I can foster trust and collaboration within my team by leading with humility. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and I actively seek input from others. This shift from focusing on authority to building trust allows my team to bring their best ideas forward without fear of judgment.

Here’s How I Approach Leadership

I’ve developed a simple framework that helps me stay grounded and lead with humility.

Step 1: Build Trust by Being Open

I let my team know I don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay. I seek out their expertise and encourage them to share their insights. This openness builds trust, and it’s incredible how much more engaged the team becomes when they know their voices matter.

Step 2: Empower the Team to Lead

One of the best parts of being a leader is lifting others up. I make a point of sharing credit and allowing my team to take ownership of projects. When they succeed, the whole team benefits, and when they take charge, it creates a sense of accountability and ownership that’s invaluable.

Step 3: Encourage Listening and Learning

I actively listen—not just to feedback about decisions but also about my own leadership style. I’ve found that when I create a space where the team feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, it leads to better solutions and a culture of continuous learning. That’s critical in cybersecurity, where the landscape is always evolving.

Key Attributes of a Humble Leader

Here’s what I’ve found works when leading with humility

Acknowledge Your Limits: I’m not afraid to say, “I don’t know.” In fact, I’ve found it opens the door for others to offer their expertise.

Share the Credit: When the team wins, we all win. I make sure everyone gets recognized for their contributions.

Admit Mistakes: No one’s perfect. If I mess up, I own it. It builds trust when your team knows you’re human, too.

Empower Others: I focus on helping others grow. When my team succeeds, it’s a reflection of my leadership.

Are You Leading with Humility? Three Things to Consider?

Are you creating a space where your team feels safe to speak up?

• If people are afraid to voice concerns, you could miss out on critical insights that could improve your security posture.

?Do you regularly seek feedback from your team?

• Humble leaders actively seek input, both on decisions and their leadership style. You might only realize how your leadership affects your team if you're asking.

?Are you empowering your team to take ownership?

• Delegating tasks is one thing, but delegating trust is another. Giving your team ownership of projects and decisions develops their skills and builds a sense of accountability.

Additional Thoughts

I know humility isn’t often associated with leadership, especially in a high-stakes role like cybersecurity. But I’ve seen firsthand that humility isn’t weakness—it’s strength. It creates a culture where ideas flow freely, people feel valued, and the team works as a cohesive unit.

?When you lead humbly, you’re not just moving your team forward—you’re building a resilient, adaptable squad ready to face whatever cybersecurity threats come next. Trust me, humility truly is power.

?FAQ’s--Four questions

1.?How can a CISO balance humility with the need to make quick, decisive decisions in high-pressure situations? Balance comes from confidence in delegation. A humble leader doesn’t hesitate to rely on their team’s expertise, even in fast-paced environments. When decisions need to be made quickly, a CISO can confidently act, knowing they’ve gathered input from trusted experts. Humility isn’t about hesitation; it’s about recognizing when to listen, but also knowing when to take decisive action based on the best available information.

2.?What are some practical steps for a CISO to develop or demonstrate humility without undermining their leadership role? Regularly seek feedback from your team to show you’re open to continuous improvement. During meetings, encourage everyone to share their thoughts before making decisions. Publicly acknowledge when you don’t know the answer to a technical problem but commit to finding it. Lead by example: share lessons from your own mistakes and how you grew from them. This shows confidence in your role while fostering a learning culture.

3.?How can a CISO encourage humility within their team without diminishing confidence or authority? Promote a "growth mindset" by rewarding collaboration and open communication. Encourage team members to seek help when needed and share credit for successes. Offer positive reinforcement when someone admits a mistake and provides a solution. By focusing on team wins and personal development, you can build an environment where humility is seen as a strength, not a lack of authority or confidence.

4.?How does humility impact decision-making during a cybersecurity crisis or incident response? In a crisis, humility helps you leverage the full strength of your team. While you may need to make the final call quickly, a humble leader ensures that relevant information flows freely, which is crucial when seconds count. For example, being open to team input can reveal crucial insights that might be overlooked by a single person. It also means being willing to accept when a chosen course of action isn’t working and pivoting quickly—showing flexibility rather than stubbornness can save time and mitigate damage.

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