Humility is a perspective thing. A definition would be “a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness.” Humility is not about downplaying your talents or skills, because many leaders are leaders precisely because they have exhibited exceptional ability.
But perspective says, that doesn’t make you more valuable as a human then any other human. More valuable to the bottom line, likely. Having greater capacity for output and performance then the average – yup.
I think the dark side of being a great leader is the fight we all have against letting it go to our head. It is a fight, because after a while it moves from our heads to our hearts and then we truly believe we are more valuable than others. The tragic end of that pathway is narcissism.
However!! Fighting to daily remember that as leaders we are the ones that can set a tone for the whole organization, to daily remember that we lead to make people’s lives better – not just our own. Success is when our culture buzzes with gratitude and a desire to outdo each other with kindness. To enjoy and encourage each other, even in the grind of getting it done.
What a joy to make people’s lives better. First by serving those we lead with, so it can flow through them to those we serve: customers, members, and end users.
A right perspective is that leaders matter, and it’s our job to make sure everyone knows they matter just as much!