A new study in the Journal of Organizational Behavior reveals that humble leadership in the workplace boosts employees’ sense of respect and prominence, leading to increased leadership potential. This approach includes acknowledging personal limitations, appreciating employees’ strengths, and demonstrating teachability.
Humble leaders openly acknowledge their limitations, value others’ contributions, and remain open to learning. This fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, helping employees feel respected and valued.
Previous research has shown that humble leadership enhances outcomes like work engagement, team innovation, and overall well-being. However, this study investigates how humble leadership elevates employees’ status and leadership potential.
The researchers conducted two field studies in China and Western countries to understand the impact of humble leadership on employees’ workplace status and leadership potential. The studies found that humble leadership was positively correlated with employees’ perceived workplace status.
Employees felt more respected and prominent when their leaders admitted mistakes, appreciated their strengths, and were open to learning from them. This elevation in perceived status was stronger for employees with a high individualistic orientation, who are sensitive to status cues and driven by a desire for recognition and personal uniqueness.
Moreover, the increased workplace status resulting from humble leadership translated into greater motivation to lead and proactive behaviors like taking charge. Employees with higher perceived status were more likely to aspire to leadership roles and engage in activities demonstrating leadership potential.
The study highlights the importance of humble leadership in fostering a supportive and empowering work environment. Organizations should invest in training programs to help leaders develop and express humility, which includes acknowledging their limitations, appreciating employees’ contributions, and being open to learning from others.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/the-power-of-humble-leadership-elevating-employee-status-and-driving-initiative/