4 ways for leaders to keep their feet on the ground

After an intense week at Davos, I have been pondering how leaders can maintain the self-belief that we can make a difference, without letting our feet part contact with the ground.

1. Focus on those you serve and put their needs first

In ancient Rome, generals who had won great victory would often lead triumphant processions through the streets. Always, a slave stood behind the victorious general whispering in his ear “All glory is fleeting. All glory is fleeting”; a constant reminder of the transient nature of success.

To remain relevant to those they serve, leaders must have the discipline and humility to exercise ego management. Mohammad Yunnus, the father of microfinance and founder of Grameen Bank, is an incredible example. Despite his incredible success he remembers that his mission of to serve the poor and marginalised of the world and this keeps him grounded.

2. Live life with friends who will challenge and ground you

There are countless examples of former luminaries turned derailed leaders. One of the most distinguishing features between a successful leader and one who has failed is the presence or absence of secure bases in his or her life.
 Professor George Kohlrieser at IMD Business School writes in his book, Hostage at the Table, that when leaders feel safety and comfort in their own lives, they are inspired to dare themselves and to push their followers out of their comfort zones to achieve more. Maintaining healthy and honest relationships with friends and family is vital to keeping us grounded – and that only occurs when we invest time in them. My wonderful wife provides a healthy dose of laughter when I become too grandiose.

3. Share power and invest in your team

When we become successful, there is a temptation to believe that it is through our own brilliance and hard work. When things don’t go as planned, the pressure and the responsibility to succeed can rest heavily on our shoulders and often overwhelm us. We need to realise that we are not the messiah. By developing a strong team around us and giving away power we can achieve so much more.

4. Become a follower to a Servant Leader

The Global Leaders Fellowship at the World Economic Forum, of which I’m part of, terms this as Servant Leadership. It’s not a new concept but one that was articulated thousands of years ago by an obscure Jewish carpenter. Quoting the Torah he challenged the crowds to ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’ and to ‘Give and you will receive’. Finally he said ‘Follow me’. The best way to learn servant leadership is become a disciple of someone whose life demonstrates integrity and humility.

In the face of the enormous challenges facing humanity we can be tempted to walk away in fear or rush into the fray in delusional self-belief. The world is in desperate need of courageous leaders who are willing to serve humanity. Rise to the challenge but remain humble.

Published in collaboration with LinkedIn

Author: Reuben Coulter is an Associate Director for Africa at the World Economic Forum.

Image: Delegates cross the street after a plenary session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 11, 2007. REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV