“I think the question we are getting to is: can humility be developed, or is it a personality trait? ”

I have been thinking a great deal about the concept of “humility” and doing a bit of research along the way. Regrettably, Your posts have no email link. I would like to explore your question at greater length if you are willing. You can contact me at systems@3sigma.com.

I wrote my last, somewhat passionate, comment on leadership late last night, and as often happens when I get rolling, became my own critic. The question I posed to myself was as follows:

If my theory-based description of the role of leader makes any sense, is it reasonable and practical to suggest that the CEO of a company strive to adopt the principles set forth in the model — serve the best interests of followers in a selfless and altruistic manner?

I have discussed questions like this in various posts on my own blog but Ron’s blog entry has inspired me to return to the subject in earnest. This is surely one of the best reasons for blogging and reading blogs. Rather than wait for others to join the conversation by adding more comments to this entry, I am going to cross-link with Ron’s post to pursue ideas on the subject of leadership as theory and method in greater depth on my blog at http://www.3sigma.com.

My profound thanks to Ron, Rafa, and John Hunter for sparking a useful conversation.

Best,
Marc Hersch

In other words, if one who acts it the role of leader sees his job from the standpoint of theory and method, rather than as status granted on the basis of his or her personal attributes (humility, forcefulness, willfulness, intelligence, persuasiveness, etc. etc.) the requirements of the process of leading become self-evident.

Therein lies the crux of the problem that results from our failure to understand leadership as theory and method. For the majority of human history, leadership has fallen to the most senior members of the tribe. All things being equal, there is simply no substitute for the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience and the selflessness that comes toward the end of life, when one discovers that greed and jealousy serve no purpose in the larger scheme of things.

Things have long since ceased to be as simple as the survival and continuity of the tribe but we make a mistake when we lose site of the basic social function and sacred responsibility of those who are chosen to lead.

The leader who actually leads rather than simply exercises power, represents the highest level of altruism. On his or her shoulders rest the very lives of all who follow. (And this is no less true today.) We have all heard of how Japanese leaders would accept responsibility and step down for failures that occurred on their watch. The old adage, that the captain is the last to leave a sinking ship, or goes down with it, is no confabulation.

In our society, we confuse leadership with power, status, and willfulness. We see the role of leadership as a path to well earned fame, influence, and riches. But to act in the role of leader on the basis of such self-interested motives is to be incapable of leading. Put in those terms, would you trust your life by following such a person?)

To lead is an onerous and selfless task that, when undertaken with an appreciation of the responsibilities of leadership, can provide an individual with the greatest sense of accomplishment imaginable. But For the most part, in our society, the people we call leaders are nothing of the sort. This is especially true among our business “leaders” who are the first to loot their enterprise’s stores, abandon their sinking ships, and take the lifeboats with them.

What is most astonishing to me is that these “successful leaders” are already re-employed and doing it again. And we study these guys who feed on greed while feigning humility, willfulness, and wisdom, so that we can discover the secrets of their success. Nonsense! Leadership is not about who you are, it is about what you do to best serve those who follow you.

And if anyone else has thoughts on whether humility and the will to succeed are important characteristics of leaders please jump in with your thoughts.