Humility

The Unsung Hero of Leadership Success

In December 1859, Abraham Lincoln was asked by his friend and newspaper editor Jesse W. Fell for a short sketch of his life to include as a series of profiles on the leading contenders for the 1860 presidential race. He responded by writing: “There is not much of it, for the reason, I suppose, that there is not much of me. If anything be made out of it, I wish to be modest, and not go beyond the material.” In a world where self-promotion and individual achievement are often celebrated, it can be easy to overlook the importance of humility in leadership. Lincoln who is consistently rated as the best U.S. President is also considered one of the most humble. Humility is not only an essential quality for effective leaders, but also a key ingredient to long-term success.

Jim Collins, in his groundbreaking work, Good to Great, introduced us to the concept of Level 5 leadership. A Level 5 leader is someone who combines a deep personal humility with an intense professional will. They are driven to achieve great things, but always put the success of the organization ahead of their personal achievements. And, it turns out, this powerful combination of traits often leads to extraordinary success.

But what does humility look like in practice? One powerful example can be found in the story of William J. Crawford, a Medal of Honor recipient who later worked as a janitor. Crawford's remarkable story begins during World War II when he was serving as a Private in the U.S. Army. In 1943, during the Allied invasion of Italy, Crawford single-handedly took an entrenched enemy location, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Despite being taken as a prisoner of war, Crawford's heroic actions earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor.

Years later, after retiring from military service, Crawford took a job as a janitor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Unbeknownst to the cadets, the unassuming janitor cleaning their barracks was actually a war hero. It wasn't until one of the cadets stumbled upon Crawford's Medal of Honor citation that his incredible past was revealed.

Crawford's humility is both awe-inspiring and instructive. He never sought recognition for his heroism, nor did he use it to promote himself. Instead, he quietly went about his work, contributing to the greater good in a way that may have seemed small, but was no less significant. His humility and selflessness made a lasting impact on the cadets he encountered, who were inspired by his dedication and service.

The lesson for leaders is clear: to achieve greatness, one must cultivate humility. This means acknowledging the contributions of others, being open to learning and growth, and recognizing that the success of the organization is far more important than personal accolades.

Here are three key ways that leaders can practice humility:

• Listen and learn: Great leaders understand that they don't have all the answers. By actively listening to the ideas and feedback of others, they create an environment of trust and collaboration that leads to greater success.

• Share credit: A humble leader recognizes the contributions of their team and is quick to share credit for successes. By celebrating the achievements of others, a leader demonstrates that they value collective effort over individual glory.

• Admit mistakes: No one is infallible, and acknowledging when you've made a mistake shows that you're open to learning and growth. By doing so, you set an example for your team and create a culture of accountability.

In today's self-aggrandizing world of social media, it's easy to become focused on personal success and ambition. But as the stories of Lincoln, Crawford, and others remind us, true greatness often lies in our ability to embrace humility and put the needs of the organization above our own. So, as you navigate the challenges of leadership, remember to hold onto humility. It may just be the key to unlocking your full potential and leading your team to greatness.