Why Humility Is the Most Underrated Leadership Skill

When people think of a leader, they often picture someone confident, assertive—maybe even a bit larger-than-life. But I’ve come to believe that humility—not charisma or control—is the most powerful tool a leader can have.

In my book Leading with Faith, I challenge the traditional ideas of leadership and share how humility has shaped every part of my journey. From construction sites to church leadership, I’ve seen how humility builds trust, strengthens teams, and drives real impact.

The Misunderstood Power of Humility

Let’s be honest—humility doesn’t make headlines. You won’t hear it touted in flashy leadership seminars or on job descriptions filled with buzzwords. A lot of people still see humility as a weakness. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being responsible. It’s about stepping in when things get hard, serving others, and putting the mission above your ego. That’s humility in action.

Humility Builds Stronger Teams

Think about the people you trust most. Were they the loudest in the room—or the ones who listened, supported you, and stood by you?

The best leaders I’ve worked with didn’t need to prove how smart or capable they were. They created space for others to thrive. That’s how I try to lead. My leadership journey began on construction sites where teamwork, sweat, and trust got the job done. I realized early on that leading well wasn’t about barking orders—it was about showing up, valuing every person, and building something together.

That’s where humility shows up: in the everyday moments when you choose to serve instead of dominate.

Humility Fosters Trust and Respect

Trust is everything in leadership. Without it, nothing else works. And trust starts with humility.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes. But I’ve learned to own them. I don’t have all the answers—and I never will. But I can show up consistently, be open to feedback, and stay grounded. That kind of honesty connects people in a way that power never can.

Some of the toughest seasons I’ve faced—financial struggles, team conflict, major transitions—taught me that humility draws people in. It doesn’t push them away. When I lead with humility, people feel safe to speak up, collaborate, and commit.

Biblical leaders like Moses and Nehemiah remind me of this, too. They weren’t fearless because they were flawless. They were bold because they trusted God more than their abilities. That’s the kind of courage I aim for.

Humility Isn’t Weakness—It’s Strategy

In Leading with Faith, I wanted to break the myth that humility means softness or indecision. The truth is, humility fuels confidence—not the loud, insecure kind, but the kind that comes from knowing who you are and why you’re here.

Humble leaders let others lead. They create space for failure, growth, and innovation. And they stay focused—not on their image, but on the bigger mission. That’s the kind of leadership that lasts.

Leading with a Servant’s Heart

One question drives my leadership more than any other: How can I help?

Whether someone’s going through a personal crisis or our team’s facing a tough decision, I try to show up with that mindset. Not to fix everything—but to be present. That’s what servant leadership looks like. It’s what Jesus modeled when He washed feet, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. He didn’t lead from a stage—He led with love.

You don’t need a title to lead like that. You just need intention.

How to Cultivate Humility in Leadership

Here are a few habits that have helped me stay grounded:

• Listen First, Speak Second – Give others room to share before you step in.
• Celebrate Others’ Strengths – Point the spotlight away from yourself.
• Admit When You’re Wrong – It’s one of the strongest things you can do.
• Ask for Feedback Often – It’s fuel for growth.
• Serve Quietly – Show up in small ways, not just big moments.

Final Thoughts

The world rewards ego, speed, and noise. But the kind of leadership that changes lives? That starts with humility.

It’s not flashy. It’s not loud. But it lasts. Humility builds people, not just performance. It earns trust and creates a legacy. It’s the kind of leadership I strive for—and the kind I believe we all need more of.

As I wrote in the book: “True leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but the most faithful in the background.”

So, if you want to lead better, start by looking inward. Embrace humility. Serve well. And watch how everything around you begins to grow.