If you had to choose a favorite boss among all the holiday classics, could you? UGH! Chances are, images of movie characters are now flashing across your mental big screen – your mind’s eye is busy – since we’ve just thrown a momentary curve ball into your “get it done now” agenda. Just stay with us … focus on the question. We promise, there’s a purpose to the point.
Two quintessential characters seem to bring the “vibe” of either humbug and humble to life like few others. Ebenezer Scrooge, the protagonist of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, personifies the arrogant, self-important boss. Meanwhile, the self-effacing charisma of George Bailey, of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” demonstrates the power of humility. Each story delivers a series of messages about how the “what if” factor impacts the character. By developing the ability to see into the future they gain opportunities to understand the consequences of their behaviors and actions – address the gaps — and then change the outcomes.
Stay with us. For the purpose of this post, we’re interested in keeping things “light.” * We promise, our ideas and notions, regarding the value of leadership humility, are intended to be somewhat simple and straightforward
Think about it:
- Who would you prefer to report to? Scrooge or Bailey?
- Who would you want to pitch an idea to? Scrooge or Bailey?
- Who would you want to eat lunch with? Scrooge or Bailey?
Aha! We think you’ve got the picture.
As a leader, you are often on point to provide critical context as well as the direct and/or indirect channel which team members receive vital information. To that point, interactions with you either serve to exacerbate or minimize connection and trust across your organization. Let that idea sink in. That’s a lot of responsibility – which is, in fact, a rare gift – if you chose to be self-aware and hold yourself, and your direct reports, accountable as the pacesetters for both forming strategy and managing culture at your organization. Ahhh-Haaa!
So, look yourself in the mirror. Be honest. Could your humbug use a tune up? Maybe you find your “humility” is more of an obstacle than a bridge for your team. Helping business leaders hone and expand their potential and achieve concrete, measurable results is what we do.
Curious how we can help you and your team? Visit our services section or learn what our clients have to say about working with us. And, if you want 2020 to be a gamechanger, reach out to us.
*Acknowledgements: There are studies regarding the double-edged sword of humility for some leaders.
