Today my question is, what does it mean to be a humble leader? I’m sure you have experienced people in a position of leadership who are arrogant and have a “know it all “mentality. After all, they are the leader, the boss; they are supposed to have all the answers.

Merriam-Webster defines humility as “freedom from pride or arrogance.” Today’s environment seems to fly in the face of humility in leadership. As a result, relationships have been robbed of warmth and deep connection.

Socrates said that “the only true wisdom is in knowing nothing.” If that is true, what is there to be arrogant about? So as leaders today, how do we express humility in the marketplace?

As leaders, we should be on a lifelong learning and growing journey. There is no room for arrogance or “come to me; I have all the answers.” I have learned it is best to have more questions than answers. I already know what I know but don’t know what you know. This should be our mindset. That is an expression of humility. It expresses an authentic leader who is more curious than another “know it all.”

When your people see that you are listening more, wanting to learn more from every experience and every interaction, they are more likely to “buy-in.” Nothing is more powerful than a team that is “all in” with its leader.

The old saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” they say. Remember, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself—it is thinking of yourself less.” So let’s keep the learning hat on, stay curious, and be humble.