The number 1 leadership trait

According to Mark Toth of the global HR group Manpower:

What’s the absolute #1 leadership trait in the history of the universe?The correct answer is . . . humility.
That may seem 100% counter-intuitive when you picture today’s stereotypical CEO. But according to various workplace gurus (including Jim Collins and the research team behind the landmark business book Good to Great, as well as recent studies published in the Academy of Management Journal and Organization Science), it’s true.
Leaders who are truly (1) servant-hearted, (2) able to put others and the organization first and (3) willing to listen with humility to other points of view are the ones that people will follow. Thus, if you want to win in today’s hyper-competitive world of work you should (1) hire, promote and retain people who fit that description and (2) strive to fit it yourself.
So, I humbly suggest that you ask yourself this question today: Do others see humility in me? If you want to be a truly great leader, the answer should be a resounding “YES.”
(full article here)

Funny how the world sometimes catches up with the Bible:

Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)
the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people (Daniel 4:17)
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:44-45)
Christ Jesus... being in very nature God... humbled himself (Phil. 2:5-8)

For more on Servant Leadership see Conversation Magazine just out in paper and e-format, and look out for the forthcoming Utumishi wa Yesu course.

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