While effective leaders are often intelligent and high-functioning, humility is a key character trait of the best leaders. Humility draws in people while arrogance drives them away.

No doubt we have all seen people in leadership positions who had either high IQ or great expertise, but they struggled as leaders because of a weakness in character or emotional intelligence. They struggled to build relationships or gain influence because of their arrogance and pride.

On the other hand, effective leaders demonstrate humility and it shows up in the way that they lead. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines humility as “the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people.” Tim Keller’s definition is more descriptive when he says that humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. So effective leaders think of themselves less and think of others more.

Effective leaders are committed to their people, helping them learn and grow, looking for ways to help them develop on the job and as people. And speaking of growth, effective leaders are committed to their own growth, recognizing that they never know it all. Humble leaders readily admit mistakes. In fact, they are quick to distribute credit for positive things and accept blame for negative things. Because they value their people, they are not seeking the limelight but shine it on others.

In his book, “Good Boss, Bad Boss”, Robert Sutton explains, “Wise bosses have the confidence to act on what they know and the humility to doubt their knowledge.” They are ready to admit mistakes and accept input from others. In accepting input, they are quick to demonstrate that they value others and their knowledge and gifts. Humble leaders seek feedback to assure that they are on track.

Humble leaders are able to admit mistakes, accept and admit limitations, and demonstrate vulnerability. They are ready to embrace and promote a spirit of service. People quickly see through and move away from a self-promoting leader.

Effective leaders show their humility by remaining thankful. They are also quick to forgive, a result of thinking of others before themselves.

The effect of a humble leader is a workforce that feels they are valued and empowered. This leads to a more productive, more innovative, and more collaborative team.

If you think that you have this humility thing down pat, you probably don’t. On the other hand, if you are a leader who thinks of others first, acknowledges their wisdom and contributions, are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, can readily admit your failures, and seeks to continually grow, then you might be well along in developing humility.