Being a boss is not the same as being a leader. While both share a set of responsibilities, there is a world of difference between the attributes that set the true leader apart from his or her counterpart, the boss.
Let’s take humility.
As defined by Webster’s humility is: freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble
For leaders, this means not thinking they are the most important person in the room. They understand that their success is dependent on those they lead, not themselves, and as a result, they let those around them take credit, and they praise them. Leaders know they don’t have all the answers and have the sense of confidence to openly admit it. They surround themselves with others who have the knowledge and skills they don’t and they entrust them to do their jobs without interference.
The pride they do have is in the accomplishments of those they serve and the collective whole versus their own contributions and achievements. Their humility comes from knowing that when others have success and achievement they have it as well. And when things go wrong, or mistakes are made they accept the fallibility of individuals and situations with an attitude of ownership and support. Humility allows the leader to rise and in turn, those around them rise as well.
Humility, especially intellectual, makes the difference and makes us better. In every context and sphere of daily or professional life. Especially when dealing with leadership positions. In fact, this quality allows us to get back into the game, compare ourselves with others and broaden our views, even on ideas that are opposite to our own.
Intellectual humility is a great strength. Because it allows us to achieve our goals with wisdom and intelligence, without making shoes to others, without imposing our own ideas at all costs, reviewing own beliefs objectively and recognizing errors when necessary, but also welcoming others with an open mindedness, indispensable for correctly preparing the meeting and an equal comparison. A leading personality, because being intellectually humble favors the best choices, dictated not by the enthusiasm of the impulse but matured with reasoned awareness and foresight.