Leading with Less Ego: The Strategic Strength of Humility

Weathered Lighthouse Guiding the Way

“Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

That C.S. Lewis quote has followed me around like a gentle nudge on the shoulder throughout my career. As someone who straddles the line between my pointed, efficient German heritage and the more relaxed, community-minded culture of my Nova Scotian roots, I’ve come to appreciate the role of humility, not just as a character trait, but as a strategic advantage in leadership.

But let’s be honest: humility, especially in leadership, can be misunderstood.

In a world where boldness is often equated with brilliance, and visibility is rewarded more than quiet competence, humility doesn’t always get the spotlight. And yet, the leaders I’ve admired most, and the teams I’ve been part of that performed the best, had one thing in common: they were grounded in humility.

Let’s explore this a bit further, its advantages, the occasional drawbacks, and why I believe humble leadership is more relevant than ever.

Why Humility Wins in the Long Game

First, let’s set the record straight. Humility isn’t weakness. It’s not self-deprecation, nor is it indecision. It’s a quiet confidence that says: I don’t know everything, and I’m okay with that because I’m here to learn, to listen, and to lift others up.

This mindset unlocks a few big advantages:

1. Stronger Teams

Patrick Lencioni, in The Ideal Team Player, outlines three key virtues: Humble, Hungry, and Smart. Humility leads the list for a reason. Humble team members check their ego at the door. They share credit. They’re coachable. And most importantly, they make space for others to contribute.

When you’re not trying to be the smartest person in the room, you tend to ask better questions. You create space for insights from unexpected places. You build teams that aren’t just productive, but cohesive and resilient.

2. Faster Learning

When you admit what you don’t know, you create room for learning. I’ve seen this firsthand, especially when stepping into new industries. Whether it was manufacturing or healthcare, walking in with curiosity and humility always accelerated my onboarding. People are more willing to help when they know you’re not trying to show them up.

3. Trust and Psychological Safety

People trust leaders who are authentic. When you show vulnerability, admitting a mistake, asking for help, or crediting someone else, it makes you human. That openness ripples outward and builds a culture where others feel safe to do the same.

However, Humility Has Its Tricky Side

While humility is a strength, it can also be misunderstood or misapplied.

1. It Can Be Mistaken for Passivity

Especially in high-pressure environments, a humble leader can be perceived as lacking assertiveness. I’ve had moments, especially early in my leadership journey, where I held back too long, deferring to others out of respect, only to realize that my team wanted clearer direction. Humility doesn’t mean silence. It means speaking up with purpose, not ego.

2. You Might Get Overlooked

Let’s not ignore the practical side. In performance-driven cultures, individuals with louder personalities often receive faster promotions. If you’re the type who puts your head down and lets your results speak for themselves (insert my raising hand here), there’s a risk you'll lose out on opportunities. Humble leaders need advocates. And sometimes, we need to learn how to advocate for ourselves in a way that stays true to our values.

Rooted in the East Coast, Sharpened by Precision

Growing up on Canada’s East Coast, you learn a few things early: slow down, listen more than you talk, and never take yourself too seriously. I was better at the middle one than the other two. There’s a humility built into the culture, an understanding that nobody’s too good to shovel snow (and yes, we get a lot), stack firewood, or lend a hand to a neighbour.

Pair that with my German roots, and you get an interesting balance: the precision, efficiency, and no-nonsense attitude of my heritage, tempered by a relaxed, relational East Coast vibe.

That balance has been a secret weapon for me in leadership roles. It allows me to shift gears, being direct when needed, while also knowing when to step back and let the team take the lead. It’s a blend that doesn’t always make sense on paper, but it resonates in practice.

A Recruiter Asked Me: What Makes You Successful as a Leader?

Several years ago, I held a senior role at a company undergoing significant growth. The company was hiring for a similar role in another part of the country. After a few months, the role remained unfilled, and one of the recruiters called me for what I thought was a casual chat. But it turned out he had a motive.

He said, “We’re trying to figure out what to look for with this hire. You’ve been successful here, so we want to understand why. What is it about your skill set or behaviour that makes you effective in this environment?”

I had to pause. Not because I didn’t know, but because it felt strange to analyze myself that way. I told him the truth: “I think it’s a mix of being structured and low-key. I came in with a plan, knowing I wasn't an SME. I asked a lot of questions. I try to stay grounded, even when the pressure’s on.”

He nodded. We continued to explore more of my experiences and background for another twenty minutes before wrapping up the call.

It was a small moment, but it stuck with me. Humility, in that context, wasn’t just a personal virtue; it was a hiring criterion. A key ingredient in scaling a culture that valued both competence and character.

So What’s the Takeaway?

In leadership, humility is a long-term play. It may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but it tends to earn the deepest trust. It creates space for others to thrive. It builds teams that are not just high-performing but sustainable.

Yes, there’s a balance. Be humble, but not invisible. Be grounded, but willing to step up. And always, always, remember that your job as a leader is not to be the hero, but to build a system where others can succeed.

So if you’re a leader, or an aspiring one, don’t be afraid to lead with humility. It may not always look flashy, but it will always be powerful.

And besides, as any good East Coaster will tell you, it’s not about showing off. It’s about showing up.