It’s been decades since the “great man” theory of leadership (the idea that leaders are born, not made) was debunked. And yet, vestiges remain. We may not say that we are the “great man” foreordained to lead, but we sure can act like it. Ego-centric, overconfident, emotionally unintelligent leadership doesn’t end well. The smartest guy in the room can easily fall into the trap of hubris, leaving behind the wreckage of short-sighted decisions and demotivated people.

The Value of Humility

We expect leaders to act wisely. I am convinced that there is no wisdom without humility, the great hubris vaccine.

Certainly, effective leaders must have a level of self-confidence. Leadership studies pioneer Warren Bennis called it “positive self-regard.”  However, that confidence is tempered by the emotional intelligence to see themselves and others as clearly as their imperfections allow. One result of this high level of EI is humility, both in words and in action. It always has a positive impact on their people and organizations. I’ve watched board presidents turn situations and organizational cultures around so many times by simply admitting they didn’t know it all and by deferring to others’ expertise and options. And others and I were blessed to work with a boss who exemplified the value of humility in three little words.

One of the reasons I stuck with Arthur in one capacity or another for over 30 years was his credo of “Best Idea Wins.” He repeatedly used this phrase, and he lived by it. It was one of the best leadership lessons he shared with us. He didn’t care if it was his idea or someone else’s. He never played the power game when it came to strategic planning or problem-solving. A good idea is a good idea. Oh, he could be a willful guy, for sure…VERY willful – which is probably inevitable for someone with Arthur’s passion. It could take some time and effort to help him see an alternate view. There were times when we had to admit that his was the best idea, or it was unclear which idea was best, and we rolled with Arthur’s. Most times, though, we entered the discussion with a blank slate and someone else’s best idea, or one that combined elements of multiple ideas, was adopted in remarkably short order. It was always about the idea, not the person. That made all the difference.

Saying “Best idea wins!” up front and then proving it in action is powerful. It liberates thought and empowers everyone on the team to contribute. It is egoless, apolitical, and principled. It builds trust and commitment. And it yields excellent results.

Adopting this mindset and message has helped to create a space for transformational change, working with associates, clients, Community Association Institute committees and chapters, and in one-on-one conversations. It was a foundation stone in Arthur’s approach to leadership, and it remains one for all of us who learned from him, benefiting countless people, situations, and organizations.

Give It A Shot

Next time you are working with a person or a group to create something, to find answers, to solve problems, or to chart a course, start with “Best idea wins!” Then live by it. If you find yourself holding on tight to one of your own opinions or find yourself digging your heels in, ask yourself, “Is this because it’s the best idea or because it’s my idea?” Stick with best idea wins. Then watch the magic happen.