It Starts With Those We Choose To Be Leaders
Do our selection processes elevate character, or do they reward charisma and confidence? If we want long-term success, character must come first. Credentials and competence matter, but without integrity, the quickest path to failure may be a lack of character. Sustainable leadership begins with a servant purpose rooted in uncompromising values.
We’ve identified four core attributes that distinguish leaders who create lasting success. At the heart of each is one unifying theme: humility.
1. A Growth Mindset
Leaders with a growth mindset remain curious about themselves and others. They continuously learn as they actively seek feedback and embrace challenges. Furthermore, their interest in understanding why others think differently enables them to see perspectives they might not have noticed otherwise. This openness makes them wiser, more effective, and more adaptable.
Exemplars
Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, fosters team learning, individual player development, and personal adaptation, and he welcomes feedback.
Tennis great Serena Williams evolved her game and mindset throughout her career by learning from setbacks.
2. A Servant Purpose
Servant leaders give more than they take. The aim of gaining greater knowledge and wisdom, and excelling in one’s work, is to utilize those assets for the benefit of colleagues, clients, or communities, to lead not for status, but for impact.
Exemplars
Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest Airlines, believed employee well-being led to great customer service.
Pope Francis, the recently deceased leader of the Catholic Church, served with humility, advocating for marginalized populations and the environment.
3. Trust and Integrity
Call it trust, honesty, or integrity—this guiding principle fosters a safe environment for open dialogue. When leaders are transparent and consistent, teams can engage in difficult conversations and address problems that can paralyze an organization.
Exemplars
Legendary University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler demanded honest pushback from his staff, not blind obedience.
Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, earns trust by being candid, principled, and forthright about his mistakes.
4. Caring and Respect
People don’t forget how leaders make them feel. When leaders show they care, whether someone is thriving in the organization or needs help transitioning elsewhere, they earn unmatched loyalty.
Exemplar
Oprah Winfrey, a television icon, has built extraordinary trust with a global audience through her authenticity, vulnerability, and consistent values. She uses her public platform to elevate the importance of truth-telling.
The Common Thread: Humility
Humility allows leaders to center others, own mistakes, and grow. It’s not about suppressing ego—it’s about using maturity to serve something larger than self, in helping others lead thriving, valued, and purposeful lives. We see humble people who make mistakes being forgiven, while those who seek to appear flawless lose trust.
Ask yourself: Whom do I know who lives these values?
Exemplar
Gerald Ford – I love to share the story of the humility demonstrated by former President Ford. I was speaking to a Michigan Alumni group and asked if there were any questions. While some from the back of the room shouted, President Ford raised his hand for permission to ask a question. And he had a name tag with the words “Jerry,” which he printed himself.
How Do We Identify Candidates with These Attributes?
Ask these questions: What are examples in their track record of a growth mindset; a servant purpose; trust and integrity; and caring and respect? Do they demonstrate humility?
Next Week: We’ll explore how to build guardrails that keep leaders aligned with their team’s identity and long-term mission.