HUMBLE LEADERS ARE RARE – Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic 1 Few people would contest the idea that humility is a desirable leadership quality - NSC English HL - Question 1 - 2024 - Paper 1

The writer distinguishes between humble and arrogant leaders by noting that humble leaders acknowledge the mistakes of themselves and others, whereas arrogant leaders often deny accountability and instead shift blame onto others.

Humble leaders create healthier organizational cultures, foster employee potential, improve team morale, and reduce unproductive work behaviors. They are more likely to be self-aware, consider others' viewpoints, and learn from their mistakes.

Despite recognizing the value of humility, society tends to favor traits like confidence and charisma in leaders, which can overshadow humility. This preference can lead to the selection of leaders who project confidence but may lack actual competency.

Choosing leaders based solely on confidence can result in the appointment of individuals who may engage in arrogance or self-importance. It contributes to a lack of accountability and the potential for poor decision-making due to an overestimation of their abilities.