Why Humble Leaders Are Rare: Unveiling the Truth Behind Their Scarcity

Well, let me be honest. We all know about powerful leaders—the ones who command rooms, inspire action, and have an undeniable presence. But when you think of truly humble leaders, they’re often few and far between. So why are humble leaders so rare? Why is it that those who lead with empathy, self-awareness, and modesty aren’t as common as the loud, dominant ones we usually see in the spotlight?

The Society's Obsession with Power and Ego

Let’s face it, society loves power. We’re conditioned from an early age to equate success with visibility, authority, and, well, ego. It’s almost like if you’re not putting yourself front and center, you’re somehow not doing enough. I’ve had countless conversations with friends, and almost every time, the talk gravitates to big names—corporate CEOs, politicians, entertainers—and the focus is almost always on their achievements, not their approach or their humility. We glorify the “sharks,” but humility isn’t often seen as a winning trait.

Power Equals Influence

Here’s the thing, we’ve been trained to associate influence with power. The louder you are, the more people listen, right? Honestly, it’s not so black and white. The reality is that true influence doesn’t have to come from a place of dominance. Yet, the power dynamic plays a big role in keeping humble leaders in the shadows. Why? Because the world tends to reward those who “claim” their space and aggressively assert their opinions, while those who prefer to lead quietly are often overlooked.

Humility Isn't Seen as "Strong Leadership"

I remember a conversation I had recently with my colleague, Sarah, who works as a manager. She mentioned how her team often expects her to take charge with big decisions—like calling the shots, being assertive, and showing a strong "take-no-prisoners" attitude. It was a bit frustrating for her because her leadership style leans more towards inclusivity, listening, and guiding rather than dictating. But, as she said, people sometimes confuse humility with weakness.

The Perception Problem

Humility in leadership is often misunderstood. When you hear "humble," you might think "meek" or "submissive," but that’s not the case. Humble leaders are incredibly strong in their own right. They’re secure enough to allow others to shine, admit mistakes, and ask for help when needed. But, let’s be real—this isn’t the "typical" image we have of a leader. Instead, we often look for someone who’s aggressive, dominating, and confident to the point of arrogance. This can make it hard for humble leaders to break through.

The Role of Cultural Expectations in Leadership

Another factor contributing to the rarity of humble leaders is cultural expectations. Different cultures place a different value on humility versus assertiveness. In many Western cultures, the ideal leader is often seen as someone who is assertive, competitive, and knows how to take charge. This is seen in everything from movies to business leadership books. I had this realization during a trip abroad last year. I was speaking with a colleague from Japan, and he noted that humility in leadership is more common there. But even then, there’s still a fine line between humility and being perceived as lacking authority.

The Global Influence of "Alpha" Leadership

Cultural norms around leadership have evolved in such a way that an "alpha" persona is often favored. Think of the corporate world—when a new CEO is announced, they’re often described as a "strong leader," usually meaning someone who isn’t afraid to step up and assert their authority. The problem? Many cultures—especially in the West—often reject softer leadership qualities, which includes humility. This means that leaders who might prefer listening over shouting often get sidelined in favor of the more "traditional" types of leadership.

Humble Leaders Don't Seek the Spotlight

Honestly, humble leaders don’t really care about being in the spotlight. This is probably the key reason they’re so rare—they’re not interested in self-promotion or accolades. I was chatting with an old mentor of mine, Tom, who had been in leadership roles for years, and he shared something that stuck with me: "I don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, I just need to ensure we’re heading in the right direction." That really encapsulates what humility in leadership is all about—leading without needing to be the center of attention.

Leading by Example, Not Ego

It’s also worth mentioning that humble leaders tend to lead by example. Instead of pushing their ideas, they focus on showing others how things should be done. They set the standard through their actions, not through commanding others. And honestly, that’s not the kind of leadership that makes headlines. You won’t see humble leaders boasting about their accomplishments; they’re more likely to quietly pass credit to others.

The Fear of Vulnerability

Okay, here’s something many don’t talk about when discussing humble leadership—vulnerability. Humble leaders often embrace vulnerability, and let’s face it, vulnerability isn’t something that’s celebrated in the typical leadership narrative. The idea of showing weakness or uncertainty is, for many, a sign of failure. Yet, it’s a powerful strength for a humble leader. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and fosters collaboration. But in a world where "having all the answers" is a prized trait, it’s no wonder that such leaders are in short supply.

Why We Need More Humble Leaders

Honestly, humble leaders are essential, especially in today’s world. In an age where burnout is common, collaboration is key, and egos are more prominent than ever, we need leaders who can step back and empower others. We need leaders who don’t just focus on their own success, but on the success of the collective.

Leading with Empathy

Empathy is at the core of humble leadership. Leaders who genuinely listen, understand, and care about the people they lead create healthier, more productive environments. Imagine working for a boss who doesn’t just give orders but actually values your input, acknowledges your contributions, and fosters growth. That’s the magic of humble leadership—and it’s something we all need more of.

Conclusion: Embrace Humility in Leadership

In a world that often prioritizes power and dominance, humble leaders are a rare but invaluable breed. They lead not with ego, but with authenticity and a genuine desire to uplift those around them. The next time you’re looking for inspiration in leadership, maybe it’s time to shift your perspective and start recognizing the quiet, humble leaders who lead by example rather than by force. They might just be the kind of leaders we all need to thrive.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.