The Forgotten Virtue That Can Save Our Leaders (and Us)

We live in a time when humility is in short supply. Look around—politics, business, media, even the church—and you’ll see leaders more interested in self-preservation, self-promotion, and self-indulgence than in serving people.

In an age where everyone is trying to build their “brand” and get ahead, the idea of humble leadership, and humble humans feels almost quaint, like something before VHS tapes.

And yet, humility may be the most essential quality of leadership we need right now.

The apostle Peter, writing to scattered churches in the first century, called both leaders and everyday believers to a posture of humility. In 1 Peter 5:1–11, he urges elders to shepherd the flock “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples.” He calls the church to “clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” Then he reminds them that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

People have wrestled with the place of humility in leadership and life for thousands of years. This is not a modern problem. Peter’s words still cut deep.

And yet, when we hear the word humility, our gut feels something opposite. We see humility as a weakness. We imagine reserved people getting run over by powerful leaders. Only the strong survive in our modern world.

Let me suggest: humility isn’t passivity. It’s strength under control. Humility is the ability to step down so others can step up. Humility is a cheat code. A refusal to make life all about us. The stuff of freedom.

And if our society is ever going to recover a vision for leadership that actually helps people flourish, humility has to be at the center.

What Is Humility, Really?

Humility is one of those words we throw around but rarely stop to define. We sometimes confuse humility with insecurity (“I’m not good enough”) or timidity (“I don’t want to rock the boat”). But that’s not what Peter or the early Christians had in mind.

The word translated humility in 1 Peter 5 comes from the Greek word tapeinophrosynē (ταπεινοφροσύνη). It literally means “lowliness of mind” or “a modest view of oneself.” The ancient Greco-Roman world often despised humility and did not consider it a virtue. Roman culture prized honor, status, and achievement. Lowering yourself for the sake of others looked like weakness.

Christianity flipped that script. The example of Jesus— “who, being in very nature God… humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus redefined humility as a noble strength. It wasn’t about thinking less of yourself, but about thinking of yourself less.

Genuine humility is choosing to consider others and their needs better than our own. So when Peter called leaders and churches to humility, it was radically countercultural. And honestly, it still is.

Why Humility Matters in Leadership?

Let’s be honest: ego and pride are great killers of leadership. Leaders who avoid accountability will destroy what they created. When leaders believe they know everything, they stop listening. Leaders who crave the spotlight eventually burn out—or burn others along the way.

Humility does the opposite.

Humility listens.

A humble leader doesn’t assume they see everything clearly. They invite feedback. They make space for other voices at the table.

Humility serves.

A humble leader isn’t in it for perks or status. They ask: “What do my people need? How can I help them succeed?”

Humility endures.

Proud leaders flame out when criticized. Humble leaders can take the hit, learn, and keep going. Humility creates the ability to see our own flaws, embrace them, and even laugh them off.

We often think charisma builds trust. It doesn’t. Humility does. People follow leaders who are approachable, who admit when they’re wrong, who give credit away, and who shoulder responsibility when things go sideways.

Humility isn’t optional. It’s the very foundation of sustainable leadership. The kind of leadership our world needs.

Why Science Says Humility Matters

Interestingly, modern science has caught up to what Peter and the early church already knew: humility is essential for human flourishing.

Science says humility brings these benefits:

Better Relationships.

Research in psychology shows that humble people tend to have stronger, healthier relationships. Humility makes us better listeners, more forgiving, and less defensive—all keys for long-term connection.

Improved Leadership Outcomes.

Studies in organizational psychology demonstrate that humble leaders inspire greater trust and engagement among their teams. Employees of humble leaders report higher job satisfaction and are more willing to go above and beyond.

Learning and Growth.

Neuroscience and education research suggest that humility is linked to a “growth mindset.” When you admit you don’t know everything, your brain stays open to learning. Arrogance shuts down curiosity; humility keeps it alive.

Resilience and Well-being.

Even in medicine, humility has been shown to help doctors admit mistakes, learn from them, and provide safer care. Patients of humble doctors actually have better health outcomes.

Humility isn’t just good theology—it’s good science. It helps individuals thrive, organizations flourish, and communities stay resilient.

How Do We Become Humble?

I’m guessing you’ve asked a time or two: am I humble? People who think they are humble often are not. Humility doesn’t come naturally to flawed humans. By default, all of us want to be right, be seen, and in control.

So how do we cultivate humility in a world that rewards the opposite?

1. Remember you’re not the center. Whether you lead a business, a classroom, a church, or a family, your role is never about you. Your influence is a stewardship, not a throne.

2. Practice confession. This doesn’t just mean confessing to God (though that matters). It means saying out loud to your people, “I was wrong. I didn’t handle that well.” Few things model humility like admitting failure.

3. Stay curious. Humble leaders are lifelong learners. They ask questions. They read broadly. They assume there’s more to discover.

4. Serve in hidden ways. Pick up the trash after the meeting. Write the thank-you notes. Do the things no one sees. These small habits shape a heart of humility.

5. Clothe yourself in perspective. Peter’s words remind us that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Humility grows when we see our lives in the context of eternity. We need a bigger vision and purpose than just the here and now.

Examples of Humble Leadership

We don’t have to look far to see what humble leadership looks like in action. Humility is not a theory of flourishing. Many examples exist of humility lived in real time throughout history.

Business.

Think of leaders like Satya Nadella at Microsoft, who turned a pride-driven, competitive culture into one of collaboration by simply modeling curiosity and listening. He famously said, “Leaders are not know-it-alls; they must be learn-it-alls.”

History.

Abraham Lincoln, during the civil war, gathered a cabinet of rivals who openly disagreed with him. Why? Lincoln knew humility required surrounding himself with people who would challenge his blind spots.

Everyday life.

I know a single mom working two jobs who still finds time to serve in her community and who is quietly showing us that leadership isn’t about position—it’s about service.

Church.

The best pastors and elders I’ve known aren’t the ones with the largest platforms. They are the ones who show up at hospital bedsides, who pray with the lonely, who take the time to know their people by name.

These examples cut across industries and cultures because humility transcends context. It’s not about personality; it’s about the posture of the heart.

The Implications of Humble Leadership

What happens when humility takes root in leadership?

Organizations thrive.

Teams led by humble leaders are more creative, more resilient, and more collaborative. Pride shuts people down; humility opens them up.

Families flourish.

Children raised by parents who can say, “I’m sorry” grow up knowing failure is not fatal and forgiveness is possible.

Churches reflect Christ.

When leaders stop chasing platforms and start washing feet, the church looks a lot more like Jesus.

Society heals.

Imagine if political leaders were quicker to admit mistakes and slower to point fingers. Imagine if business leaders thought more about the long-term good than short-term gain.

We may not fix the entire world, but we can choose what kind of leaders we will be.

A Call Back to Humility

Peter knew what he was talking about. This was the same man who once swore he’d never deny Jesus—only to crumble under pressure and betray him three times. Peter knew pride. He also knew grace.

And grace turned him into a shepherd who could say with credibility: “Clothe yourselves with humility.”

We need leaders like that again. Not perfect leaders. Not flashy leaders. But humble leaders. Leaders willing to step down, listen, serve, and lift others up.

In a society starving for trustworthy leadership, humility isn’t just a novel idea—it’s the way forward.

Maybe the best question we can ask isn’t: “Who’s in charge?”

Maybe it’s: “Who’s willing to help others?”

Because that’s the person we should follow.

-Ryan