It is always a good time to learn from those who protect our freedom. In the context of Remembrance Day, our wisdom for this Wednesday is from the Jocko Willink, a retired U.S. Navy Seal who’s earned the highest levels of recognition for leadership.
The Most Important Characteristic of Leadership: Humility
When asked what the most important characteristic of leadership is, Jocko Willink a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who has earned the highest levels of recognition for leadership, “Humility”. It is almost a counterintuitive, rather shocking statement coming from a leader in one of the worlds most respected combat units.
His explanation however, makes perfect sense, and is as true for business & organizational leadership as it is for the US Navy.
“When I ran that seal training, and we would sometimes have to fire or remove a seal leader, we would be removing that seal leader not because he didn’t know how to shoot his weapon or he wasn’t in good physical condition, or he didn’t know how to read a map, we would be firing that seal leader because they lacked humility. [because] When someone lacks humility, they cannot get their ego in check, think about what it does to their mindset: First of all they do not respect the enemy, or in the business world they do not respect their competitors. They think they are better than the enemy / competition. That means they do not train, plan, prepare and they cut corners. And what happens when you don’t train, plan, prepare and cut corners, you get caught.” (Quoted from a webinar to the Vistage community.)
Humility in Leadership: A Defining Trait
Humility is an attitude and a skill. Humility encourages one to have a realistic self-assessment of their own capabilities and contribution compared to others. This attribute results in a reflection on abilities, strengths and weaknesses and a realistic and unexaggerated evaluation of our successes and failures (Vera & Rodriguez-Lopez, 2004).
The Link Between Humility and Emotional Intelligence
Humility is the product of, as well as a prerequisite of a high emotional intelligence. It is heralded as a virtue in Greek philosophy, and most religious foundations. Putting the ego aside opens up curiosity and awareness about the others, and situations that will opens the doors to extraordinary innovation and achievement.
The Cost of Lacking Humility
Willink’s point about the removal of leaders without humility is echoed by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence.
Goleman notes that many leaders are promoted due to strong business acumen and contributions—but more than 80% are later fired because of their lack of emotional intelligence
A Final Word on Humility in Leadership
"Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."
Let this serve as a powerful reminder of the value of humility in leadership, both in the military and in the boardroom
Resources
To learn more about humble leadership presence consider enrolling in our leadership training programs.
References
- Jocko Willink Vistage Webinar
- Vera & Rodriguez-Lopez, 2004
- Daniel Goleman
