Be Humble

As an NLP coach, one of the key aspects of my work with leaders, educators, and individuals seeking personal growth is to help them gain deeper self-awareness. Self-awareness is not just about recognising our strengths; it is about understanding where we might be falling short, especially in areas that are not immediately obvious to us. One framework that powerfully illuminates this concept is the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals with limited knowledge or skills in a particular area often overestimate their ability. The more we learn about a topic, the more we tend to realise how much we do not know – and this humbling process deepens our self-awareness. But here is the question: when was the last time you examined your own level of self-awareness? Do you truly know your blind spots?

The Path to True Expertise

The progression from novice to expert is rarely linear. It typically follows a recognisable pattern:

First comes the initial confidence peak—where understanding appears complete.

Then follows the humbling descent—where the vastness of what remains unknown becomes apparent.

Finally, there is the gradual ascent toward genuine expertise—where confidence returns, but is now founded on substantial knowledge.

The distinction between adequate leaders and exceptional ones lies in their response to the middle phase. Exceptional leaders embrace this period of uncertainty, understanding that discomfort is essential for deeper learning.

Identifying Your Unseen Limitations

How accurately do you perceive your own capabilities? When did you last take time to consider what might be escaping your attention?

I worked with a comprehensive school headteacher who was convinced their communication approach was effective and clear. When anonymous feedback revealed their staff found their instructions ambiguous, they faced a choice: defend their existing methods or explore this newfound insight. They chose exploration—and transformed their leadership approach.

Consider asking yourself:

• When did I last actively seek criticism about my weaknesses, rather than affirmation of my strengths?

• Which aspects of my professional role create discomfort, and what might this suggest?

• When was I recently surprised by a situation I thought I fully understood?

• Who observes dimensions of my work that remain invisible to me?

  
  

The Power in Acknowledging Limitations

There is genuine strength in recognising the boundaries of your knowledge. It creates opportunities for learning, builds authentic trust with colleagues, and demonstrates the growth mindset you wish to cultivate in others.

The paradox of leadership is profound: acknowledging what you do not know does not diminish your authority—it reinforces it. People place greater trust in leaders who acknowledge their humanity than in those who project infallibility.

The Discipline of Humble Leadership

Developing self-awareness is not a singular achievement but a continuous practice. In daily application, it includes:

• Posing questions rather than making assumptions

• Listening to understand the full message, not merely to formulate responses

• Establishing goals that provide appropriate challenge without causing defeat

• Recognising progress while maintaining awareness of the continuing journey

• Surrounding yourself with individuals who will speak truth, not merely what you wish to hear

  
  

Embracing Uncertainty

The next time you feel absolute certainty about a matter, pause. Ask yourself, "What elements might I be overlooking?" That moment of doubt is not weakness—it is wisdom.

Effective leadership is not characterised by possessing all answers, but by having the courage to search for them, even when this search creates discomfort.

How might you practise humility in your leadership today? What discussion have you been avoiding because it might reveal gaps in your understanding? This precise point is where your greatest development awaits.

Perhaps the most powerful action you can take as a leader is simply to pause, embrace humility, and truly listen.