We often celebrate bold leaders and grand plans. So, it is easy to get caught up in the idea of needing to be the brilliant mind behind a strategy. But what if the path to an impactful strategy lies in a less celebrated virtue: humility?
The low-ego strategist
A strategist with a high ego sees themselves as a solo performer, an all-knowing maestro who must dictate every note of the symphony. This kind of thinking often leads to a rigid, top-down strategy that shuts down collaboration and misses out on important input from the team. A low-ego strategist, on the other hand, understands that they are the conductor and not necessarily the composer. They bring people together, listen to their unique perspectives and guide the performance with a light touch. A low-ego approach to strategy involves:
- Be authentic. You must be genuine and transparent. This creates an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and to take risks. It enables you to see mistakes not as failures. When people trust your intentions, they are more willing to contribute and share feedback.
- Practice active listening. A low-ego strategist understands they don’t have all the answers. They actively seek out concerns and suggestions from others, because the best ideas often come from unexpected places. A low ego allows you to embrace feedback and criticism as valuable learning opportunities. They ask questions like ‘What can we do better?’ or ‘What’s the one thing you would change about this idea?’
- Be a guide. You need to provide direction and empowering the team to take ownership. Set the stage by defining the problem and then work closely with the team to find a solution. A low ego allows you to embrace feedback and criticism as a learning opportunity. It also enables you to see mistakes not as failures.
For example, a high-ego strategist might fuel resistance by forcing an idea on a team without explaining the reasoning. In contrast, a low-ego strategist presents the problem, asks the team for ideas, and works with them to create a solution. This approach builds trust and leads to better results.
A strategy is never about getting personal credit. It is about collectively building a solution that benefits your organization. Your success lies in empowering others, celebrating their contributions and in sharing credit generously.
