Confident Humility - the secret sauce

In Adam Grant's book "Think Again", he tackles leadership and how some of the best arrived at their positions. He talks about "confident humility," and it's not your usual leadership jargon that is basically trash.

Humility: More Earthy, Less Airy

First off, humility doesn't mean you're a doormat. Its Latin root means “from the earth,” which is fitting because it's all about being down-to-earth. It's like knowing you're good at Excel, but not pretending you can use it to solve world hunger.

Confidence: Not Just for Superheroes

Confidence, on the other hand, is believing you're capable of greatness (or at least not messing up the slide deck). But it's crucial to differentiate this from being confident in your methods. Think of it like this: you're confident you can win at Monopoly, but are you sure your strategy of buying only the green properties is foolproof?

Arrogance vs. Doubt: The Twin Troublemakers

Without the balance of confident humility, leaders risk becoming either an office tyrant or a walking bundle of insecurities. Arrogance is like thinking you're the next Steve Jobs just because you wear turtlenecks (shots fired at Elizabeth Holmes), while doubt is like constantly wondering if your toddler is secretly judging your management skills.

The Art of Confident Humility

This magical blend is about believing in your capabilities while also accepting that your current game plan might be trash (or trash adjacent). It's the sweet spot where you're open to learning, but not so open-minded that your brain falls out.

Why It's Awesome for Leaders (And Everyone Else)

For leaders, confident humility is like having a superpower that doesn't involve any forms of radiation. It makes you approachable, like the cool boss everyone likes, not the feared overlord of the kingdom. It fosters a culture where mistakes are stepping stones, not things to be afraid of.

How to Be Confidently Humble (Without Overdoing It)

1. Embrace Learning: Be like a sponge – absorb everything.
2. Crave Feedback: Think of feedback like free advice; sometimes it's great, sometimes it makes you wonder if people are just making things up.
3. Reflect on Failures: Remember, every failure is just a story to laugh about later... much later.
4. Value Different Views: It's like listening to both east and west coast rap – it broadens your horizons (and your Spotify playlist).
5. Believe, But Verify: Trust your gut, but remember sometimes your gut just wants tacos.

To wrap this up, confident humility is like being the hero in your own movie, but one who occasionally trips over their cape. It's about striking a balance between self-belief and a healthy dose of reality checks. Leaders who master this are like the Dumbledore of the corporate world – wise, respected, and slightly eccentric, but in a good way. Embrace this mindset, and watch your leadership (and your team) transform – just don't expect a cape.