Why You Don’t Want to Be the Smartest Person in the Room
There’s strength is recognizing weakness. And in business, it’s that ability to admit your faults and learn from them that can help you become a better leader.
The most effective leaders aren’t always the most knowledgeable or the most experienced. But they are influential because they are the most relatable and open-minded. They build a team around them that complements one another, celebrating unique skills and acknowledging the gaps. Because while a great leader is passionate, strong, and charismatic, they are above all – humble.
Their humility allows them to see the bigger picture and not always battle for that top spot. Instead, they strive to be their best and be grateful for the opportunity to do what they do. Without humility, learning stops, and complacency takes over.
In business, there is such a focus on being the most innovative, the most revolutionary, the trendiest, or the most popular. But while others are racing to finish first, the humble leader aims to do it right and provide value above all else.
This is not to say that the humble leader is not ready to compete, but rather, they know they can’t do it alone. And neither will they try to. Instead, they aim to create spaces for others to contribute and encourage them to play their essential roles.
When you’re not always fighting to be the be the smartest person in the room, you recognize the need to seek other’s opinions that will help you come to the best decisions that are in the best interest of the team. And because you give the people around you a voice, they feel valued, and in turn, you get the best of them. They willingly provide input, and they are inspired to step up when the situation calls for it.
So not only are you a powerful leader but you are supported by an equally empowered team.
When you are a leader humble enough to admit to your own mistakes, your transparency and openness don’t make you vulnerable or susceptible to criticism; it means you’re open to learning. Because only by being able to admit to your flaws can you proactively correct them and benefit from the lessons that come from failure. And only with humility can you prove your resilience.
Most importantly, the humble leader realizes that they cannot control everything. And when you’ve surrounded yourself with all the right people who know that they complement one another, the collaborative culture you’ve promoted allows you to let go of the reigns every so often. Because an exceptional leader isn’t just a great manager, but someone who sparks leadership qualities in the people they lead.
Dr. Yashima White Azilove
I am an international speaker, certified coach and skilled consultant with over 20 years of corporate brand communications executive experience in the media, entertainment, healthcare and financial service industries. I now use my expertise in brand communications to ELEVATE audiences, corporations, celebrity/talent and faith organizations.