Avoiding the pitfall of arrogance: Just listen

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “The Best Bosses are Humble Bosses”.  Referencing published studies, the article concluded that teams led by humble leaders performed better and did higher quality work than teams whose leaders exhibited arrogance. In other words, while the best bosses are humble bosses, the worst bosses are arrogant bosses.

The challenge that leaders face as they climb the corporate ladder is to avoid the slippery slope to arrogance.

While we want our bosses to be humble, we also want them confident and decisive. No one wants to be led by a boss who agonizes over every decision. A hand-wringing leader does not create high performing teams. The challenge that leaders face as they climb the corporate ladder is to remain confident, decisive and humble, but avoid the slippery slope to arrogance.

Before I took command of Naval Hospital Bremerton, I was warned by a good friend and mentor that being in command is an extremely unique experience. The commanding officer has ultimate authority and is given wide latitude to run the command as he or she sees fit, within the bounds of military law. In this respect, commanding officers have significant responsibilities…and power, especially in the disciplining and punishment of personnel.

If you find your mind wandering, notice it and course correct. Just listen.

My friend wisely told me that, if not checked, this power can insidiously transform a confident, decisive and humble leader into an arrogant leader. This is true for all leaders, especially those climbing to higher levels of responsibility.

What’s the key to avoiding this pitfall? It’s the ability to listen.

When others speak, focus on your active listening skills.  Listen with your heart. Listen to what is being said beneath the conversation. Put your cell phone away and move away from your computer. In fact, if the interaction takes place in your office, move away from your desk and remove any physical barriers.  Assume you have nothing else to do and there is no problem to solve. If you find your mind wandering, notice it and course correct. Just listen.

Great leaders know how to listen.

While I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Colin Powell, I’ve read from numerous sources that one of his many leadership gifts is his tremendous ability to listen. People who speak with him at social gatherings consistently mention how he makes you feel as if you were the only person in the room. That is exactly the type of listening that will prevent you from becoming arrogant.  Take a genuine interest in what you’re hearing. Great leaders know how to listen.

As you climb to higher levels of responsibility, continue to be decisive, confident…and remain humble. Don’t let your increasing power diminish your ability to listen.

Be a great leader and avoid the pitfall of arrogance by listening with your heart when your colleagues and subordinates speak.

Posted in Uncategorized.