In global competition, organizations must develop policies and strategies that enable them to compete effectively. Management and leadership are critical to this process. Organizations must also understand the social context in which they operate, including the relationships between different groups and how these relationships affect competition.
How can a person who is modest become a successful leader? There are several qualities that are basic for many contemporary leaders. The following values or principles may be noted: “integrity, good judgment, leadership by example, trust, justice/fairness, humility,” and “sense of urgency” (Ahn et al., 2012, p. 116).
Out of all these values that are necessary for leadership, this paper will focus on how important it is to have humility as a leader in order to achieve success.
Many people view leaders as individuals who are born with qualities that make them great. However, “the reality is that anyone can learn and adopt the behaviors that define successful leadership” (Dugan, 2012). So what does this mean for someone aspiring to become a leader? It means that there is hope! Anyone has the potential to be a successful leader if they are willing to put in the work and develop the necessary skills. One of the most important skills that a leader must possess is humility.
One dictionary defines humility as “a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness” (Oxford Languages, n.d.). When it comes to leadership, humility is often overlooked as a trait that is necessary for success. This may be because many people view humility as weakness. However, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, “humility is one of the most important traits of successful leaders” (Dugan, 2012).
One of the reasons why humility is so important for leaders is because it allows them to be open to feedback. A leader who is not humble may see feedback as a personal attack or criticism instead of an opportunity to grow and improve. On the other hand, a humble leader will view feedback as valuable input that can help them become a better leader. This is because they are open to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes.
Another reason why humility is important for leaders is because it allows them to build trust with their team. A leader who is not humble may be seen as someone who is only concerned with their own success and not the success of their team. On the other hand, a humble leader will be seen as someone who is truly invested in the success of their team. This is because they are more likely to put the needs of their team above their own and make decisions that are in the best interest of their team instead of themselves.
Lastly, humility is important for leaders because it allows them to stay grounded. A leader who is not humble may become arrogant and think that they are better than others. On the other hand, a humble leader will remain down-to-earth and be grateful for their success. This is because they know that they would not be where they are today without the help of others.
Humility is defined by Ahn, Ettner, and Loupin (2012) as the lack of arrogance or ego, coupled with a capacity to listen carefully. According to Gill (2013), the Beatitude “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is the pinnacle of humility (p. 4). Humility has been linked to better leadership effectiveness in the business world (e.g., Luthans & Avolio, 2003; Walumbwa et al., 2008).
When it comes to policy and strategy in global competition, many firms focus on their own country and do not look outside for inspiration or practices. And while it is important for firms to maintain a focus on their home countries, they also need to be open to learning from other nations. A humble attitude will allow firms to see the value in other cultures and learn from them. With the ever-changing landscape of the business world, it is essential for firms to be adaptable and learn from others in order to stay ahead of the competition.
An example of a firm that has successfully adopted a humble attitude is Zara, a Spanish clothing retailer. While most retailers focus on their home market, Zara has gone global, with over 2,000 stores in 96 countries (Inditex, 2018). What makes Zara successful is their ability to quickly adapt to changing trends.
They do this by maintaining a strong focus on customer feedback and using it to inform their decisions. Additionally, they have a team of designers who travel the world to stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends. By being open to input from others and constantly evolving, Zara has been able to maintain a leadership position in the retail industry.
In order to be successful in the global marketplace, firms need to have a humble attitude and be willing to learn from others. By maintaining an open mind, companies can stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing trends.
The narcissistic and high-handed leader may gain a fanatical following during his or her term in office, but it is the unpretentious, modest, bashful, and humble leader that will endure (Udani and Lorenzo-Molo, 2012). Customer-centricity and corporate social responsibility appear to be linked with the notion of a “servant leader,” putting others first. This study found that in order to establish an effective and long-lasting CSR program, businesses must have servant leaders at the top.
The finding that arrogant and narcissistic leaders are more likely to be ousted than their modest counterparts has implications for both policy and strategy. In terms of policy, it suggests that companies should be encouraged to promote servant leadership within their ranks. Such a policy would help to ensure that those who are in positions of power are more likely to act in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders, rather than simply pursuing their own self-interests.
In conclusion, humility is a essential trait for leaders to possess if they want to be successful. This is because humility allows leaders to be open to feedback, build trust with their team, and stay grounded. So if you are aspiring to become a leader, remember to stay humble!