Six Positive Traits of Those Who Lead Well

Humility is one of the most needed—and least valued—traits of a great leader. We are far more likely to value the bold, even brash, leader who ruthlessly advances his or her agenda than to praise the milder leader who places the welfare of others first.

Humility is a hallmark of great leadership. It’s also a highly attractive trait in others.

Here are six characteristics of humble leaders. Acquire these traits, and people will be drawn to you.

They Don’t Take Themselves too Seriously

Humble people have a healthy sense of humor and generally don’t mind poking a bit of fun at themselves. Humility allows a person to acknowledge their faults, admit their mistakes, and remain in a positive frame of mind.

They Avoid Taking Credit

Humble people genuinely don’t want to be singled out as being more talented, more important, more successful than others. This isn’t because they don’t know their worth; they simply don’t need to hear it repeated and are always mindful of how their honors will set them apart from others.

They Praise Others

Negative thinkers are stingy with compliments because they feel that if other people get noticed for talents or achievements, then they will somehow miss out on the thanks. Humble people are quick to point out what’s good, especially in other people. They don’t pass up an opportunity to give praise.

They Help Others Succeed

Few things attack the ego quite as much as helping others succeed. Pride hoards knowledge and resources; humility shares them. This may be the acid test of humility. Humble people are free to share information and opportunities. They are willing to put the needs—and sometimes even the desires—of other people ahead of themselves.

They Admit Their Mistakes

Nobody likes doing this, but humble people are quick to acknowledge their mistakes and shortcomings. They can do this because they don’t fear the judgment of others. They already see themselves accurately, so they neither need praise nor shy away from criticism.

They Are Willing to Learn

Closely related to the ability to compliment others is the willingness to learn from them. Negative thinkers are seldom willing to admit that other people have good ideas or are worth listening too. Their defensiveness and protectiveness of their own ego makes them closed to the knowledge and experience that others could share with them.

A positive attitude toward the world has the happy byproduct of producing a positive view of oneself. As a result, positive-thinking people are able to be humble. They don’t need to prove their worth by comparison to others. If anything, they are bent on helping others feel the same sense of blessing that they enjoy. That’s a tremendously attractive way to live.

How have you seen humility enhance a leader’s influence? I’d love to hear about it! Share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.

StanAToler

 

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