The Tribune

Some people think managing through ego, or forcing on others their self-important management style, makes them a leader. Sadly, this autocratic or authoritarian style is used ineffectively by so many leaders in our current corporate climate.

Many chief executives, chief operating officers and executive level staff have various methods that they swear are the best way of doing things. Successful companies are populated with persons in management who can admit when their systems are failing, and are willing to change and improve.

The truth about leadership, which most people accept today, is that while you can manage time, processes and money, you cannot manage people - you have to lead them. This requires some degree of humility, compromise and release of ego in the process. More than ever, humility has become an essential characteristic for leaders of successful 21st century companies.

A true leader shares the spotlight and is comfortable crediting others. While it might seem counterintuitive, being humble takes more confidence than basking in glory. Your employees will appreciate it, and the company’s ‘bottom line’ will tell a magnificent tale as a result.

Research confirms that the finest leaders are emotionally aware and intelligent. While many people advise keeping emotions separate from business matters, the latter is ultimately about relationships between people. To make these relationships last, some level of sensitivity to the different points of view - and different backgrounds - of each individual is essential. When using your head to do what is best for your company, do not forget to have a heart.

Here are some very practical ways to let your team members see and feel your humility:

1 Let it be known: You do not have all the answers. When you do not know how to do something, expose it.

2 Admit you were wrong about something.

3 Learn to say you are sorry when you have offended someone.

4 Receive and embrace acknowledgment.

5 Do not be afraid to expose a weakness or vulnerability.

6 If you got hurt or offended by something, share it with the person involved.

7 Be willing to laugh at yourself and not take everything so seriously.

John Selden once said that “humility is a virtue all preach, none practice, and yet everybody is content to hear”. As crucial as this character attribute is to our workplace today, we must all be inspired to be actively engaged in taking our daily dose of humble pie.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.