The Quiet Power of Humility in Leadership

In this episode of The Leadership Telos, we explore the quiet strength of humility as a cornerstone of virtuous leadership. Far from being a weakness, humility empowers leaders to acknowledge their limitations, elevate others, and lead with grace, clarity, and love.

Drawing from psychological research, Aristotelian virtue ethics, and biblical models, we unpack how humility fosters trust and innovation. You’ll learn how humility shows up in decision-making, feedback, and communication—and why it’s essential to the pursuit of eudaimonia.

Key Themes:

• Humility is confidence with teachability
• Balancing self-awareness with other-awareness
• Biblical insights
• Practical ways to develop humility in leadership roles

Reflection Prompt:

1. When was the last time I admitted a mistake openly?
2. Do I invite feedback regularly, or avoid it?
3. How do I respond when others challenge my ideas?
4. What areas of my leadership do I feel most confident in?
5. Who has modeled humility well in my life?
   
   

Journal Prompt:

1. Describe a moment when your humility—or lack of it—impacted your leadership.
2. In what ways do you currently “reduce the power distance” with your team or followers?
3. What is one area in which you need to practice humility this week?

Scripture References:

1. Matthew 5-7
2. Colossians 3:12-14