The Leader’s Edge:
Why Humility is Your Superpower
We’re living in a time where the volume on leadership has been turned way up. The noise is constant. In this environment, it’s easy to confuse confidence with volume, and decisiveness with stubbornness. But as I work with leaders across the country right now, I’m seeing a clear divide forming: those who are clinging to their pride, and those who are embracing humility.
There is an ancient truth that has never been more relevant. Proverbs 10:17 puts it perfectly:
I was reminded of the power of this verse recently while working with a senior leader—one of my most significant coaching clients. We just wrapped up a 360° Listening Tour with his direct reports. For those unfamiliar, this isn’t a standard performance review. It’s a deep dive to uncover the unvarnished truth about his leadership—the raving strengths that are moving the needle, and the blind spots that are holding him (and his team) back.
The intel we gathered was gold. But more impressive than the data was his reaction to it. He didn’t get defensive. He didn’t make excuses. He leaned in. We walked away with a clear strategy for our next coaching block, focused on increasing his influence, impact, and ability to empower others.
That, my friends, is humility in action. And in today’s market, it is a massive competitive advantage.
Let’s be clear: Pride is a weakness. It’s a roadblock to your potential.
Humility is a strength. It’s the gateway to influential leadership.
And just to be crystal clear, humility doesn’t mean being a pushover. It doesn’t mean you lack confidence or security. It simply means you value the input of the people you are charged to lead enough to actually listen to them.
So, how do you know where you stand? Here is a simple checklist I use with my clients to gauge the difference between a pride-based leader and a humility-based leader.
As we move deeper into this year, the leaders who will thrive aren’t the ones with all the answers. They are the ones brave enough to ask the right questions.
Here’s to your influence and the strength of humility.
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
