Advantages of Humble Leadership

Did you know that the motto at the Air Force Weapons School, the Air Force equivalent to TOPGUN, is to be humble, approachable, and credible? Most often fighter pilots aren’t perceived as humble. I’ve frequently heard the terms ‘cocky’ and ‘arrogant’ instead. But the best fighter pilots, instructors, and leaders in our squadron had three identifiable traits. They were humble. They were approachable. And they were credible. When we think about leadership, we may think that characteristics like humility and approachability can be signs of weakness. Sometimes we go into a new leadership opportunity thinking we have to put on this tough exterior in order to prove our credibility and capability. Yes, credibility is essential, but the best leaders I’ve worked for and with have been humble and approachable as well. Throughout my 24 years in the Air Force, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of these traits in leaders: ▶ Humility: The ability to connect on a human level, admit when you don’t have all the answers, and be open to learning from others. ▶ Approachability: Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback, fostering open communication and collaboration. ▶ Credibility: Delivering results. Building trust through consistent actions that back up your words, demonstrating reliability and expertise. We can lead with courage by embracing humility, approachability, and credibility in everything we do. #Leadership #Aviation #LeadWithCourage #FlyingInTheFaceOfFear 📸 Scott "Soup" Campbell, MS, MA

What makes a leader truly resonate? In a world that often equates leadership with dominance and authority, humility can be a secret weapon. I had the pleasure of exploring this topic and much more with Clint Hurdle, one of the best managers in baseball over the past 25 years, on Thirty Minute Mentors. Why is humility in leadership so important? When leaders admit they don’t have all the answers, they invite collaboration and fresh perspectives. This openness encourages team members to share ideas, leading to innovation and fewer mistakes. Leaders who embrace humility build stronger teams. And teams thrive when people feel valued and recognized. Humility isn’t about downplaying accomplishments. It’s about recognizing the contributions of others and celebrating collective success. It's about appreciating that you don't know everything and that there are other people around you who can help you learn more and get better. Here are a few tips on how to integrate humility into your leadership style today:  💠 Acknowledge your limitations. No leader has all the answers. Admitting knowledge gaps invites collaboration and builds trust. 💠 Seek feedback actively. Regularly ask your team for input. This demonstrates respect for their insights and fosters a culture of openness. 💠 Celebrate your team. Give credit where it’s due. Recognizing others' contributions enhances morale and loyalty. How can you embrace humility as a leader? Listen to the full episode and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app.

The most dangerous thing in leadership isn't incompetence: It's considering yourself superior over your team. After watching countless brilliant leaders hit their ceiling, here's what I've learned about humility: It's not a soft skill. It's a strategic advantage. Here's how true humility transforms leadership: Great leaders know: - Every criticism contains truth - Every team member has wisdom - Every challenge brings learning Your expertise opens doors Your humility keeps them open. Humble leaders: - Ask more than tell - Learn more than lecture - Listen more than speak Because the moment you think you know everything Is the moment you stop growing as a leader. Technical expertise makes you valuable. But humility makes you invaluable. Want to develop this leadership superpower? Drop "ROCKSTAR" for my framework on building strength through humility.