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Claudia
I think you a wrestling with an age old problem, the battle between Ego and Leadership, between the need to be seen to do something and the doing of something.
The Taoists have a saying, a description of leadership.
A bad leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say he lead us badly.
A good leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say he lead us well.
A great leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say we did well.
To me this is the embodiment of the answer to your question, "Can an intelligent, skilled person but introverted or modest one be a good leader?" The answer must be "No! they can't be a good leader, but they have the potential to be a great one. The skill they need is leadership through the group rather than leadership of the group. Those who seek glory, usually to fulfil a need in their ego, rarely make great leaders, those who are truly modest rarely gain glory but can achieve great things.
I'd also like to point out that there is a big difference between introverted and modest and that the two are not often connected.
Claudia
I grew up in Britain in the 1960's & 70's when the celebrated role models were The Beatles & The Rolling Stones. When London swung and the permissive society was invented. It was the psychedelic period when the advice to young people was to drop acid (LSD) and "Turn on, Tune in and Drop-out".
A great many of the good and great leaders of today come from that period of time. Likewise many since have also had formative experiences which appear to be entirely inappropriate for developing any positive skills and understanding of leadership. It is true that some don't but many of us do. We fall into the sphere of one of the great unsung leaders who exist in the world and they guide, coach and mentor us. Just as great leaders always have done.
That is why I gave you the answer I did. Not because I didn't understand your question or the reasons behind but because I hope you would see the answer in mine.
"If I point to the heavens will you look at the finger or the moon?" Lao Tzu
Claudia
I thought you might like this site.
http://linked2leadership.com/
Claudia
I thought you might like this site.
http://linked2leadership.c... See Neil's complete reply
You're right: I do. A lot...
I was first thrilled I will have an interesting reading for the weekend, but browsing through it I discovered it will be much more than this.
Thank you.
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9 Replies
1980 Views 9 Replies+3
Humility, Leadership, and Self Promotion
Posted 22-04-2010Reply
I asked myself this question many times. Can an intelligent, skilled person but introverted or modest one be a good leader? Can he get noticed in a world where so many claim to be the best, to know everything and live to show off and impress others? We all know that is easy to manipulate people, that many are so shallow and follow the wrong models only because they lack the knowledge, the depth in thinking or the experience to objectively choose. We know that the media isn’t helping much in setting the right criteria and pointing out towards the real models of a society because it’s much easier to gain audience by showing controversial situations or characters. Demagogy became a science mastered by many and dishonesty became a second nature.
Can humility be a useful personality trait in a world where people are often judged by appearances and the majority takes credit for others’ ideas and work? Can you stay in a shadow, be good in what you do and be appreciated without having to underline your merits? Can you let your accomplishments speak for you?
I still believe modesty is essential in a team work. I still believe in giving credit for each of the team members for their share, their implication, contribution to the common success. I strongly believe you can’t do anything by your own, especially today when we’re focusing on high specializations, in becoming good in real narrow sectors and not on having a vague idea about everything.
I still believe words are overused and your actions and results should speak for you.
I still believe humility is a virtue and even if there will be less people who’ll notice you, those who will, will definitely be the right ones, the ones who’s opinion matter to you.
What do you think? What is the perfect recipe? Is there such thing? How much do you have to be aware you’re good and tell others that and how much you have to be modest and let others and your work define you?
Can humility be a useful personality trait in a world where people are often judged by appearances and the majority takes credit for others’ ideas and work? Can you stay in a shadow, be good in what you do and be appreciated without having to underline your merits? Can you let your accomplishments speak for you?
I still believe modesty is essential in a team work. I still believe in giving credit for each of the team members for their share, their implication, contribution to the common success. I strongly believe you can’t do anything by your own, especially today when we’re focusing on high specializations, in becoming good in real narrow sectors and not on having a vague idea about everything.
I still believe words are overused and your actions and results should speak for you.
I still believe humility is a virtue and even if there will be less people who’ll notice you, those who will, will definitely be the right ones, the ones who’s opinion matter to you.
What do you think? What is the perfect recipe? Is there such thing? How much do you have to be aware you’re good and tell others that and how much you have to be modest and let others and your work define you?
Hello Neil,
Thanks for sharing an excellent link which is key to see modest yet powerful leaders.
Modesty is that feeling by which honorable shame acquires a valuable and lasting authority.
Author: Cicero (Marcus Tullius Cicero)
There are many influencing persons around us who shun limelight but would lovingly influence our lives and go away with a beautiful and modest smile when they are stopped even to thank them properly. But it doesn't mean they are not powerful just as they shun limelight. Ask the people on whose lives the modest leaders have made a lasting mark and changed their course of lives for good. And they demand equal respect to their all known counterparts.
Regards,
Sri Manjari .V
Thanks for sharing an excellent link which is key to see modest yet powerful leaders.
Modesty is that feeling by which honorable shame acquires a valuable and lasting authority.
Author: Cicero (Marcus Tullius Cicero)
There are many influencing persons around us who shun limelight but would lovingly influence our lives and go away with a beautiful and modest smile when they are stopped even to thank them properly. But it doesn't mean they are not powerful just as they shun limelight. Ask the people on whose lives the modest leaders have made a lasting mark and changed their course of lives for good. And they demand equal respect to their all known counterparts.
Regards,
Sri Manjari .V
I asked myself this question many times. Can an intelligent, skilled person but introverted or modes... See Claudia's complete reply
Claudia
I think you a wrestling with an age old problem, the battle between Ego and Leadership, between the need to be seen to do something and the doing of something.
The Taoists have a saying, a description of leadership.
A bad leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say he lead us badly.
A good leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say he lead us well.
A great leader is someone who, when the task is over, people say we did well.
To me this is the embodiment of the answer to your question, "Can an intelligent, skilled person but introverted or modest one be a good leader?" The answer must be "No! they can't be a good leader, but they have the potential to be a great one. The skill they need is leadership through the group rather than leadership of the group. Those who seek glory, usually to fulfil a need in their ego, rarely make great leaders, those who are truly modest rarely gain glory but can achieve great things.
I'd also like to point out that there is a big difference between introverted and modest and that the two are not often connected.
Neil,
I gave you the reasons for asking myself those questions. I have my own convictions, I have my own principles and I follow them while learning and getting more experience in life and in my work. How about the young generation, who seek guidance and often follow the wrong models, the so called leaders who need to be praised and to show off so they can impress their inexperienced employees, their colleagues? How about the models shown by media, the politicians with empty speeches and stereotypical language who can talk for hours and say nothing, but yet gain so many followers?
It may not be the case in your country but unfortunately it is often seen in mine and that makes anyone wonder how the young generation will be able to learn the right lessons, to make a clear distinction between real leaders and fake ones, how will they be able to set their own life values and how they’ll want to grow as personalities.
I gave you the reasons for asking myself those questions. I have my own convictions, I have my own principles and I follow them while learning and getting more experience in life and in my work. How about the young generation, who seek guidance and often follow the wrong models, the so called leaders who need to be praised and to show off so they can impress their inexperienced employees, their colleagues? How about the models shown by media, the politicians with empty speeches and stereotypical language who can talk for hours and say nothing, but yet gain so many followers?
It may not be the case in your country but unfortunately it is often seen in mine and that makes anyone wonder how the young generation will be able to learn the right lessons, to make a clear distinction between real leaders and fake ones, how will they be able to set their own life values and how they’ll want to grow as personalities.
Hello Claudia,
I agree with your point of you. Often in our country too people choose wrong models for highlighting wrong causes. And unfortunately we have only few persons who think practically without falling prey to media persons or the so called leaders who sell or promote wrong facts. Most of them are into mass hysteria and blindly follow the rhythm instead of knowing the true functionality or facts of any concept. Its all alike in any country.. Its pathetic. Be it any organization a true fact reaches very slowly and is accepted with some reservations but a gossip sits straight into head of everyone with some dramatic coloring of their own.
Regards,
Sri Manjari .V
I agree with your point of you. Often in our country too people choose wrong models for highlighting wrong causes. And unfortunately we have only few persons who think practically without falling prey to media persons or the so called leaders who sell or promote wrong facts. Most of them are into mass hysteria and blindly follow the rhythm instead of knowing the true functionality or facts of any concept. Its all alike in any country.. Its pathetic. Be it any organization a true fact reaches very slowly and is accepted with some reservations but a gossip sits straight into head of everyone with some dramatic coloring of their own.
Regards,
Sri Manjari .V
Neil,
I gave you the reasons for asking myself those questions. I have my own convictions, I ... See Claudia's complete reply
I gave you the reasons for asking myself those questions. I have my own convictions, I ... See Claudia's complete reply
Claudia
I grew up in Britain in the 1960's & 70's when the celebrated role models were The Beatles & The Rolling Stones. When London swung and the permissive society was invented. It was the psychedelic period when the advice to young people was to drop acid (LSD) and "Turn on, Tune in and Drop-out".
A great many of the good and great leaders of today come from that period of time. Likewise many since have also had formative experiences which appear to be entirely inappropriate for developing any positive skills and understanding of leadership. It is true that some don't but many of us do. We fall into the sphere of one of the great unsung leaders who exist in the world and they guide, coach and mentor us. Just as great leaders always have done.
That is why I gave you the answer I did. Not because I didn't understand your question or the reasons behind but because I hope you would see the answer in mine.
"If I point to the heavens will you look at the finger or the moon?" Lao Tzu
Trust me Neil, I saw the answer in you and luckily there are people like you to teach about the right values.
Luckily there are great leaders who aren't good only in theory but "practice what they preach".
There are - even better - leaders who don't preach but people follow them because they have the vision, the empathy, the power to motivate others and the modesty to never speak about themselves. For these people humility, honesty aren't weaknesses, but strengths that show a great character. I only wish there were more...
Luckily there are great leaders who aren't good only in theory but "practice what they preach".
There are - even better - leaders who don't preach but people follow them because they have the vision, the empathy, the power to motivate others and the modesty to never speak about themselves. For these people humility, honesty aren't weaknesses, but strengths that show a great character. I only wish there were more...
Trust me Neil, I saw the answer in you and luckily there are people like you to teach about the righ... See Claudia's complete reply
Claudia
I thought you might like this site.
http://linked2leadership.com/
Trust me Neil, I saw the answer in you and luckily there are people like you to teach about the righ... See Claudia's complete reply
Claudia
I thought you might like this site.
http://linked2leadership.c... See Neil's complete reply
You're right: I do. A lot...
I was first thrilled I will have an interesting reading for the weekend, but browsing through it I discovered it will be much more than this.
Thank you.
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