To Become A Leader Embrace Humility And Shared Leadership

In recent years, there has been a growing fascination with the daily habits of highly successful individuals. From Elon Musk’s routines to Jeff Bezos’s morning rituals, we avidly consume articles, lists, and books detailing their lifestyles. Our aim is to glean insights from their practices and incorporate similar habits into our own lives, hoping to emulate the success of these titans. Indeed, research affirms that our habits play a pivotal role in shaping our identities. We are, in essence, the sum of our repeated actions, with our lives reflecting the culmination of the habits we adopt. However, this raises an important question: in our pursuit of habit formation for achieving goals and success, are we perhaps neglecting the development of essential character traits that are just as crucial or more?

Consider this: it’s character traits that are pivotal in shaping an individual’s behavior, relationships, and personal growth. These traits are fundamental to the makeup of our personality and significantly influence our life’s journey. For instance, if I’m consistently late to work, the underlying issue may not be just about time management, but rather a need to cultivate a stronger sense of responsibility. Similarly, if I struggle to complete writing a novel, the challenge might lie not in the time commitment, but in fostering a greater sense of determination to see it through.

The role of character traits in our lives is more substantial than we often realize. They essentially define who we are and act as the driving force behind our development of positive habits. Indeed, the process of forming habits can be seen to strengthen and build these very character traits.

Traits of A Leader

Reflecting on the qualities of renowned leaders, Elon Musk stands out not only for his brilliant mind but also for his insatiable curiosity and unwavering determination to be a visionary. This curiosity, fostering a habit of avid reading from a young age, has been a cornerstone of his success. Similarly, George Washington, the United States’ first president, is celebrated for his integrity, vision, and courage. However, it was his humility that truly distinguished him as an extraordinary leader.

In “His Excellency,” author Joseph Ellis highlights how Washington, during his presidency, demonstrated humility by acknowledging his limitations and seeking advice from others. His decision to step down after two terms set a precedent for peaceful transitions in American democracy, a true testament to his humble nature. Washington had the option of a more authoritative role, potentially akin to a king, but he chose to pass on the mantle instead. This act of humility wasn’t just self-effacing; it was a forward-thinking gesture that allowed for new leadership to emerge, showcasing his ability to see beyond himself for the greater good of the nation.

Nelson Mandela, an exemplary figure in leadership, demonstrated profound humility by serving just a single term as South Africa’s first black president. Upon achieving this historic milestone, he deliberately stepped aside, underscoring the significance of upholding democratic processes. This embodiment of humility is a common thread among many great leaders. To truly understand leadership, it involves not only examining the habits of these figures but, more crucially, delving into the nature of their character. It prompts an important reflection: what character traits must we cultivate within ourselves to become effective leaders?

Tetzaveh Lessons On Leadership

This week’s Torah portion subtly emphasizes character traits that established Moses as one of the most respected leaders in Jewish history. In Parsha Tetzaveh, the spotlight shifts away from Moses to Aaron and his sons as they are anointed as priests. The portion discusses their consecration, the priestly garments, and their duties in the Tabernacle, all without a single mention of Moses’ name. However, it is precisely in his absence that Moses’ greatness shines through. This lack of ego, where the focus is not on the self, is profound. Moses doesn’t indulge in a narrative of feeling lesser than Aaron for not being the chosen high priest. There’s no hint of complaint or resentment from him about not being selected. Instead, Moses exemplifies humility and surrender to God’s will, dutifully following the divine instructions. His greatness is reflected in this selfless acceptance and his commitment to serve a purpose beyond himself.

This act by Moses is remarkable in many respects, embodying true leadership grounded in humility. Firstly, Moses, who had been the foremost leader and prophet, gracefully steps aside, enabling Aaron and his sons to embrace the role of priesthood. This act of creating opportunities for others to excel is a profound demonstration of humility. It illustrates that genuine leadership isn’t about clinging to power or status, but rather about recognizing and fostering the strengths and abilities of others. Like George Washington, a leader is confident in their own capabilities and equally cognizant of their limitations. Such a leader paves the way for others to showcase their unique talents, thereby contributing to the collective good.

This ability to acknowledge and value diverse talents is essential in leadership. In Moses’ case, by stepping back, he not only allowed Aaron’s gifts to come to the fore but also enhanced the community. He respected that Aaron possessed different, yet necessary, skills for the role of the high priest and for serving the community. This model of shared leadership requires humility to step back and make room for others. When an individual leads from a place of humility, it significantly influences their approach to leadership and the impact they have.

Moses’ willingness to cede the spotlight to Aaron highlights a key aspect of effective leadership: the power of collaboration and delegation. His actions underscore the significance of shared leadership, where each leader contributes their unique abilities. This approach illustrates that a community can thrive under the guidance of diverse leaders, each fulfilling their divine duties with their distinct skills. Moses’ example shows that leadership isn’t about singular dominance but about recognizing and harnessing the varied talents within a group for the greater good.

Shared Leadership in Modern Times

In the contemporary corporate world, the necessity of shared leadership is increasingly evident. While a CEO may set the vision, they cannot manage the day-to-day operations alone. This necessitates the delegation of responsibilities to a CFO and COO, among others, allowing each executive to leverage their strengths and collectively drive the company towards its goals.

Similarly, the concept of shared leadership is even more critical in the family setting. In a household, it’s important for parents to embrace distinct roles, each contributing in unique ways to foster a wholesome home environment. Children benefit from the blend of both feminine and masculine energies, experiencing the care of a nurturing parent while also having the security provided by one ensuring there’s a roof over their heads. This model of shared leadership in the home requires parents to exhibit humility, allowing each other to excel and lead in areas where they naturally shine, thereby creating a balanced and supportive family dynamic.

The profound message of Tetzaveh is clear: to be a true leader, one must embody humility and embrace the concept of shared leadership. It’s about allowing others’ talents to flourish by fostering their development and offering support. This approach not only cultivates a joyful and enriching environment but also spurs personal growth. In essence, authentic leadership is about nurturing future leaders, not just amassing followers.

Humility in Leadership

Humility is a character trait often found among the greatest individuals – leaders, artists, writers – and is highly valued. Its presence is not only pleasant in those around us but also a quality we seek within ourselves. In admiring leaders whose paths, we wish to emulate, we must look beyond the surface, beyond their daily habits, and strive to replicate the core character traits that truly define them.

Habits serve as tools to nurture the character traits we aspire to develop. Cultivating humility, for instance, is an ongoing journey involving our interactions with others and a mindset that promotes it. The habits we adopt act as a catalyst in shaping us into the individuals we aim to become – leaders who are humble, compassionate, and collaborative, akin to Washington, Mandela, and Moses. These figures were not just respected for their routines, although they undoubtedly had impactful ones. In Judaism, as Moses taught, life is intertwined with rituals like Shaharit, Mincha, and Ma’ariv. However, it was their character traits – their middot – that truly elevated them as exceptional leaders.

May we all possess the vision, courage, and humility to kindle our spirits and inspire those around us.

 Practical Ways to Developing Humility:

1. Engage in Introspection: Regularly assess your actions, motivations, and abilities. Reflect on your growth, recognize your limitations, and identify areas for improvement.

2. Embrace Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback, even when it’s unsolicited or difficult to hear. Consider the validity of what’s said and whether it provides an opportunity for self-improvement.

3. Prioritize Listening: Make a conscious effort to listen more in conversations. Focus less on how you can respond or advise, and more on understanding the other person’s perspective.

4. Recognize Others’ Strengths: Take the time to observe and appreciate the strengths and good deeds of those around you. Offer compliments and acknowledge their efforts genuinely.

5. Admit and Learn from Mistakes: When you’re wrong, own up to it. Accept responsibility and engage in open discussions about how to rectify the situation or prevent similar issues in the future. Use these instances as opportunities for growth.

6. Serve Others: Engage in acts of service. Helping others can foster a sense of compassion and provide insights into different perspectives.

7. Practice Modesty: Exhibit modesty in various aspects of life – in your dress, speech, and behavior. Avoid boasting about your successes. Acknowledge your achievements, take pride in them, but then move forward.

8. Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for what you have and for the people in your life. Recognize that every individual you encounter offers a chance for mutual learning and growth.