Humility Makes You Stronger and More Effective

Posted By: Tom Cohn Leadership Insights,

How can property management professionals improve performance? Embrace humility. It's important to recognize that humility extends beyond mere modesty. Being humble fosters an environment and culture where accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement thrive. 

 

Effective property management leaders maintain a delicate balance between confidence and humility. They make decisions confidently but remain open to feedback and address challenges head-on. Instead of shying away from risks, the most effective leaders take educated leaps, acknowledging that missteps are inevitable. Crucially, when mistakes occur, they don’t point the finger of blame at others. Instead, they accept full accountability—a hallmark of true leadership. 

 

Netflix founder Reed Hastings, in his book No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention, underscores the significance of humility in leadership. He advocates for a humble approach that celebrates successes with restraint and openly acknowledges errors, turning them into valuable learning opportunities for all. 

 

Contrary to the stereotype of the self-aggrandizing leader, the most successful property management professionals understand the power of humility. They recognize their limitations and actively seek input from team members and experts, leveraging different perspectives to drive innovation and improve performance. Rather than feeling threatened by others' expertise, they embrace it, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. 

 

Bill Taylor, a cofounder of Fast Company, aptly captures the essence of humility's impact, noting that while ego may grab attention, it's humility that yields tangible results. In a world where arrogance often dominates, humility stands out as a transformative force—one that helps sustain success.