By Cleofe Uy Catuday
After a successful business review of the first four months of 2024, we leveraged the presence of our general managers from different regions in the Metro and decided to push forward with an Executive Learning Program on our third leg with renowned neuroscientist and leadership coach Rob Rances. It’s always an engaging session with him, where activities are thought-provoking and everyone leaves wanting to be an even better leader.
Our reviews revisited past discussions and emphasized how intellectual humility is key to becoming a leader that encourages growth and empowerment of fellow leaders and associates. A leadership mindset that’s cognizant of what others can contribute and recognizes our own limitations. It’s a mindful acknowledgment of what others can do and what others have a mastery of.
Here are a few thoughts I would like to share:
Leaders do not have to know it all.
It’s great to work with leaders who acknowledge the strengths of others, who are open about the areas they are not strong in, and who empower their associates to take the lead in trades and disciplines that they excel in more than the leader. This way, intellectual humility is demonstrated, and this also inspires team members to hone their skills and pursue their interests so they can lead projects and contribute even more.
When leaders demonstrate humility, team members tend to follow.
Notice how when an organization is led by a leader without humility, the members tend to be more arrogant and insensitive to others’ feelings. The organization will operate in an environment void of compassion and respect. A leader who operates with humility, on the other hand, breeds leaders and associates who value inclusivity and diversity, creating a culture that’s considerate of others. The company then becomes one that employees want to continue working for.
Leaders with intellectual humility create a safe working space for others.
Imagine being insulted when you share your thoughts and ideas. When one acts like no other opinion matters but their own, others will shy away and not want to open up their thoughts for fear of being crushed by hurtful opinions from a leader who does not value their thoughts. This environment can create unhealthy anxiety and unnecessary stress at work. Instead of focusing on delivering goals, people spend more time and effort tiptoeing around work to avoid humiliation from an insensitive leader.
A safe working space at the office is created when leaders demonstrate intellectual humility. The mere fact that the leader is humble and aware of their own strengths, capabilities, and limitations serves as a great reminder for other leaders and associates to showcase the same values. How welcome it is when people can focus on what they can contribute rather than how they can protect themselves.
Great working environments stem from the leaders. Leaders with intellectual humility can inspire simply by being themselves. While the bottom line of deliverables is of utmost importance, how the leader navigates day-to-day operations matters. The scripture provides a simple yet impactful reminder in Proverbs 11:2: with humility comes wisdom. May we, as leaders, always be reminded to be humble.
