Is there Power of Humility in Leadership
This post was inspired by one of my graduate students after I shared Principle 3 from the book, Management by Proverbs. The title is simple: Be Humble. My student postulated that leadership is a position of strength, authority, and influence and he felt that any show of humility dilutes this view in some ways.
Then, in the process of writing, I listened to a radio programme entitled “Humility in High Places.” The programme was aired on Hope FM in Kenya on Sunday 16th November 2025. Can great people and high achievers be humble? It is worth listening to.
The principle, ‘Be humble’ suggests that one of the most profound qualities that distinguishes great leaders from merely competent ones is humility. Bill Foote started his role as CEO by displaying this humility. While humility is frequently emphasized in faith-based leadership, particularly within Christian contexts, it is not confined to religious circles. Humility is a universal leadership principle that transcends culture, industry, and ideology.
In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, humility may seem counterintuitive. Many equate leadership with dominance and assertiveness. However, history and modern research reveal that humility is not weakness, it is strength under control. It is the ability to lead with confidence while remaining grounded, teachable, and focused on the greater good.
Below are a few reasons why we must cultivate humility in our leadership roles.
1. Humility Builds Trust and Authentic Relationships
Trust is the currency of leadership. Leaders who exhibit humility create an atmosphere of openness and psychological safety. When a leader acknowledges their limitations and values the contributions of others, it signals respect and authenticity. Employees and followers are more likely to engage, share ideas, and take risks when they feel their voices matter. After Bill Foote to be vulnerable before his leadership team, the story goes that some of the Managers were heard saying, “if we have to go through a few walls for this guy, we will.”
As I wrote this piece, I came across the story of Satya Nadella who took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014. Nadella’s humility, expressed through active listening and valuing diverse perspectives, transformed Microsoft into a collaborative, innovative powerhouse. He famously shifted the company’s mantra from “know-it-all” to “learn-it-all,” encouraging curiosity and openness. This cultural reset helped Microsoft regain its position as one of the world’s most valuable companies.
2. Humility Fuels Continuous Learning and Growth.
A humble leader understands that leadership is not about having all the answers but about seeking them. Seeking them in collaboration with the rest of the team members. This mindset fosters adaptability and resilience. In a rapidly changing world, leaders who cling to ego driven tendencies certainly risk stagnation not only at the personal level but also of the organization they lead. Humility opens the door to feedback, innovation, lifelong learning and much more.
For Bill Foote, this meant conveying to his managers what the author calls a traumatic and intensely personal story. Eighteen months before being appointed CEO, he had learned that his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite waging an all-out battle against the disease, his wife Andrea died, just one month earlier, leaving him to take care of his three young girls. His humility and vulnerability, it is reported, led to a more family friendly environment at USG and as the Wall Street journal later reported, “By all accounts, both Mr. Foote’s leadership and the corporate culture as USG, emerged stronger.”
Closer home in Africa, Nelson Mandela’s leadership during South Africa’s transition from apartheid was marked by humility and reconciliation. Despite decades of imprisonment, he emerged without bitterness, prioritizing unity over revenge. His willingness to listen and compromise created a foundation for peace and democracy. Mandela’s humility inspired trust across racial and political divides, proving that humility can heal nations.
3. Humility Prevents the Corruption of Power
Power can intoxicate. History is filled with examples of leaders who fell because pride blinded them. Humility acts as a safeguard against arrogance that often accompanies authority. It reminds leaders that leadership is stewardship, not entitlement. It is reported that Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and one of the richest men in the world once said that if he could get just a little humility then he would be perfect. Power has so intoxicated leaders that even servants of God have not been left out.
4. Humility Inspires and Elevates Others
Humility is contagious. When leaders model humility, they create a culture where success is shared, mistakes are acknowledged, and growth is celebrated collectively. This environment motivates people to give their best without fear of judgment.
I still remember, when as a university student I got the opportunity to write radio scripts for Trans World Radio Kenya. When I got a note about going to see someone there, I had no idea that someone was the General Secretary for Africa. He received me warmly and the very next day he drove to the university to give me the topic for my first script. This leader, the late Rev. Stephen Boakye-Yiadom continued to model humility throughout his life. I remember fondly a trip to Ivory Coast, now Cote D’Ivoire for meetings. For some reason the hotel would serve us the same meal every day. On day four our boss went into the hotel kitchen to cook for us. I still remember that act of humility to this day as I do the act of humility displayed by a leader.
5. Humility Balances Confidence with Servanthood
Humility does not mean weakness or indecision. It means having the strength to lead boldly while recognizing the value of others. A humble leader can say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together,” without diminishing their authority. This balance makes leadership authentic and relatable. We learn from Bill Foote that one’s manifestation of a humble attitude is the willingness to lay bare one’s afflictions, vulnerabilities and insecurities and a willingness to share with others that one has the same human frailties as any other human.
In Christian leadership, humility is often framed as servanthood, leading by serving others. But even in secular contexts, servant leadership is gaining traction as one of the most effective leadership models. It prioritizes people over power, purpose over prestige.
Below are some practical ways to cultivate humility.
- Listen more than you speak. Seek input from your team and genuinely consider their perspectives.
- Admit mistakes openly. This builds credibility and trust.
- Celebrate others’ successes. Shift the spotlight from yourself to your team.
- Stay curious. Approach challenges with a learner’s mindset.
- Practice gratitude. Recognize that leadership is a privilege, not a right.
Humility is not just a virtue for spiritual leaders; it is a cornerstone of effective leadership everywhere. In business, politics, education, and beyond, humility transforms leadership from a position of power into a platform for service. Leaders who embrace humility lead not for personal glory but for the greater good, and that is the essence of true leadership.
As C.S. Lewis famously said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” For any leader, Christian or otherwise, this principle is timeless and transformative.