Power, prestige, and influence are often associated with leadership at the top. Unfortunately, this also means being constantly evaluated and holding the delicate balance of remaining humble.

People often ask whether CEOs, who are often viewed as larger-than-life figures, resent being humbled. The answer is not a simple yes or no. Let’s discuss this and other questions as we start to unravel the psyche of CEOs.

Do CEO’s Hate Being Humbled?

Not all CEOs hate being humbled. For some leaders, humility can remind them that their leadership is about serving others, not just about being in authority. However, other leaders may have difficulty with humility. To some leaders, being humbled can feel like relinquishing control or losing status. How CEOs respond to the experience of being humbled depends upon a variety of factors – personality, the nature of their values, and the company’s culture.

Leaders who see themselves as growing in their leadership journey usually welcome scenarios that challenge them and contribute to their important lessons about humility. However, CEOs that tie their worth with their power may fear being humbled as they feel self-worth tied to their power.

Why Is Humility Hard for CEOs?

CEOs find the experience of humility difficult for many reasons, but in light of:

• Power distance – They are surrounded by employees devoid of the ability or right to challenge them directly.
• High expectations: Success often needs resolute action and assertiveness. There is little opportunity to be vulnerable.
• Public perception: Because they are under daily scrutiny from shareholders and the media to maintain flawless representation of the company, CEOs feel pressured to maintain a flawless impression.

In entrepreneurial cultures, it can seem like heresy to admit mistakes or be humble.

Can humility make a CEO more effective?

Absolutely, and humility can even be a sizeable advantage. Research shows that humble leaders cultivate a more trusted environment, improved collaboration across teams, and increased innovation.

When a CEO does not act like they know everything already, it creates a safer space for staff to share their ideas. In fact, when you look at some of the most respected leaders in business today, such as Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Tim Cook (Apple), their humility and empathy are traits they are known for.

Additionally, humility can help CEOs adapt to change. In rapidly changing industries, CEOs who can be humbled often learn and pivot faster than those accustomed to knowing everything.

Do CEOs Ever Learn from Failure?

Definitely. A lot of CEOs would refer to their largest failures as the most significant turning points in their careers. Humbleness that can come from failure, can push CEOs to:

1. Reassess their plans.
2. Consult others perspectives.
3. Develop resilience.

Take Howard Schultz of Starbucks, who has shared about the lessons of failing results from which he benefited when he could lead Starbucks from a place of serving equality, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Why Some CEOs Resist Humility?

Some may resist humility because they have been celebrated to look at humility as weakness. Many corporate cultures will celebrate hedonism, risk-taking, and precognitive decision making. A CEO who built the fundaments of their career regarding ambition and dominance may find that it would not be good for their brand to admit weaknesses or mistakes.

Ego also plays a role here. Wealthy, famous, and powerful, a CEO believes they are right all of the time. They must manage their egos when tempered with humility.

Is it Possible for CEOs to Maintain Humility?

Yes, but it often happens on purpose. Many CEOs execute containing or maintaining humility because they take the following steps:

• They surround themselves with a staff of honest advisors who are willing to share the tough news.
• They build connections with their staff at all levels and notice the challenges at each level of their company.
• They practice mindfulness or religious thoughts that remind them that they are part of a bigger picture.
• They support philanthropic endeavors, giving them a new focus beyond self.

What Do we learn from Humbled CEOs?

The stories of humbled CEOs remind us that leadership is not about falling in your career. Leadership is about regaining stature from a fall.

A CEO who acknowledges mistakes and uses them as a learning opportunity can inspire employees more than a CEO who pretends to be perfect. Humility not only allows leaders to come across as human beings, but helps them to be more relatable, and leaves behind a human legacy.

Conclusion

So, do CEOs resent being humbled? Sure, some do, but many CEOs come out stronger because of it. Being a leader is not avoiding humility, it is embracing humility. Most of the time a CEO that accepts humbling moments with grace will ultimately earn more respect, develop a healthier organization, and make a more meaningful and lasting impact.

Read about: Why Do Kids Hate School?