It may be difficult to be a leader while at the same time maintaining balance. Although you don’t wish to appear unapproachable, you can’t be everybody’s best friend. The Ohio State University researchers have shown that humility can be an essential virtue in leadership. 

Humble leaders enhance teamwork and competence of their team 

The research reveals that “humble” heads of instructional teams enhanced teamwork and competence. Carried in China, the study focused on the Chinese version of professional learning communities (PLCs) that regularly meet to share the educational experience. 

Researchers found that the Chinese PLCs teachers were willing to share their expertise and knowledge when they rated PLC leaders as being humble. According to the study, people will be more comfortable expressing themselves if their leaders are humble since they feel psychologically safe. 

Study co-author Roger Goddard said that some humility on leaders’ part would help groups to be collaborative and productive. Everybody participates more, and the groups function more effectively when people believe their leader is willing to acknowledge shortcomings and gain from others.

In most nations, PLCs help in promoting professionalism through collaborative expression. Teachers come together and share best practices and their classroom experiences through the group. Goddard explains that sometimes teachers feel isolated in the classroom, and the PLC will help them create a community that allows them to share experiences and learn from each other.

China’s TRGs help teachers in sharing experiences and competence 

In China, a PLC’s equivalent is the teaching research group (TRG). TRG leaders are typically seasoned instructors rather than conventional administrators. But, in addition to participating in teacher assessments, lesson design, and instructor recruitment, TRG leaders also serve as coordinators and supervisors. Around 537 teachers drawn from 238 TRGs from rural and urban Chines schools took part in the initiative.

Additionally, the study authors propose that modest leaders are so successful at encouraging instructors to overcome their shyness because they create an atmosphere that is more receptive to sharing ideas. Findings show that TRGs with humble leaders had enhanced psychological safety levels.