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I guess for myself that question is nuanced. Just lost a dear friend to Leukemia. A person who gave me confidence as a veteran and led me to be an excellent observer and forecaster. I had the favor of most every one I met in that field and was dwarfed by their education and that included observers.
So for me, I benefited and was at times proud. But when recognition came, I kind of shied away. So how does humility play? Are we effective leaders or just ambitious studies climbing the ladder?
My friend that I lost was the best forecaster that I ever saw and when he got out he trained observers and I know he was good, along with his TV and radio experience. He probably had a huge ego and was larger than life. His phone recording still haunts me, because he led by example. He was a great man and I am a benefactor of that skill.
Has anyone have a mentor such as that? What type of leader are you?
So for me, I benefited and was at times proud. But when recognition came, I kind of shied away. So how does humility play? Are we effective leaders or just ambitious studies climbing the ladder?
My friend that I lost was the best forecaster that I ever saw and when he got out he trained observers and I know he was good, along with his TV and radio experience. He probably had a huge ego and was larger than life. His phone recording still haunts me, because he led by example. He was a great man and I am a benefactor of that skill.
Has anyone have a mentor such as that? What type of leader are you?
Mentorship
Leadership
Humility
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 16
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Sorry for your loss.
I don't believe that a healthy ego and a sense of humility are mutually exclusive.
All leaders must possess some sense of ego; not in a pompous or arrogant way, but in the way that supports one's best efforts towards accomplishment of a task. Ego feeds one's sense of confidence, and re-enforces the notion that obstacles can be overcome, and goals can be reached. It instills drive and determination. It also prevents the leader from being swayed by popular opinion, and helps one maintain one's course when others without vision or fortitude say otherwise. The strongest leaders I know all had healthy egos.
That said, the strongest leaders for whom I have ever worked were also the most humble; most focused on servant leadership; most secure in themselves and their COAs; and most committed to the health, wellbeing and success of their subordinates. The strongest leaders are those who have such a well defined sense of self, that they feel no need to boast. They simply focus on what needs to be done to empower those in their sphere of influence to do well. True humility comes from a quiet confidence and strength of character that allows the leader to focus on the led.
I don't believe that a healthy ego and a sense of humility are mutually exclusive.
All leaders must possess some sense of ego; not in a pompous or arrogant way, but in the way that supports one's best efforts towards accomplishment of a task. Ego feeds one's sense of confidence, and re-enforces the notion that obstacles can be overcome, and goals can be reached. It instills drive and determination. It also prevents the leader from being swayed by popular opinion, and helps one maintain one's course when others without vision or fortitude say otherwise. The strongest leaders I know all had healthy egos.
That said, the strongest leaders for whom I have ever worked were also the most humble; most focused on servant leadership; most secure in themselves and their COAs; and most committed to the health, wellbeing and success of their subordinates. The strongest leaders are those who have such a well defined sense of self, that they feel no need to boast. They simply focus on what needs to be done to empower those in their sphere of influence to do well. True humility comes from a quiet confidence and strength of character that allows the leader to focus on the led.
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SSgt (Join to see)
As time goes on my heart breaks more but I know his legacy was one of greatness though he would deny that. Thanks Kristin. Means a lot at this time.
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SSgt (Join to see), I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mentor and friend.
I think humility is an important part of being a leader. First of all, when "doing" servant leadership (and thinking of one's subordinates before oneself), it's almost required. And when the accolades come, it's classy to accept them with humility (in my humble opinion).
I think humility is an important part of being a leader. First of all, when "doing" servant leadership (and thinking of one's subordinates before oneself), it's almost required. And when the accolades come, it's classy to accept them with humility (in my humble opinion).
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COL Ted Mc
CW5 (Join to see) I have never been accused of being "humble". Equally I have never been accused of being "arrogant". Admittedly it sometimes takes people who don't have my experience or education a while to understand that I am NOT "talking down" to them simply because I speak to them (pretty much) as if they did - but they do learn it eventually.
I can (usually) tell if a Private/ ... / ... / ... / ... / ... / ... / BGen has the experience and/or education I think that they should have - but I refuse to insult them by assuming that they don't.
It has often surprised my compatriots to find out that those people are actually capable of useful thought/contribution.
I can (usually) tell if a Private/ ... / ... / ... / ... / ... / ... / BGen has the experience and/or education I think that they should have - but I refuse to insult them by assuming that they don't.
It has often surprised my compatriots to find out that those people are actually capable of useful thought/contribution.
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