Embracing Self-Awareness: Lessons from Erasmus on Humility and Growth

In his biting observation of human nature, Erasmus captures a timeless truth:

"The less talent they have, the more pride, vanity, and arrogance they have. All these fools, however, find other fools who applaud them."

The Power of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness isn’t about self-doubt; it’s about honest self-reflection. It’s a willingness to ask difficult questions of ourselves: How do others perceive me? Am I open to others’ insights about my leadership? It requires courage to look at ourselves objectively, embracing the reality of our strengths and our areas for improvement. Without self-awareness, we risk becoming leaders who don’t understand the impact of our actions, unaware of the strengths we can harness and the weaknesses we need to address.

Self-awareness also creates space for vulnerability—a rare, yet essential, quality in today’s leadership landscape. Admitting that we don’t have all the answers or that we’re still evolving allows us to connect more authentically with our teams and peers. This openness can be the starting point of a truly collaborative and inclusive environment, where others feel comfortable sharing their feedback with us.

Humility as a Growth Mindset

In leadership, humility isn’t just a virtue; it’s a competitive advantage. Humility keeps our egos in check and reminds us that we’re always students in this ever-evolving world. It’s the antidote to arrogance, pushing us to see beyond our personal accolades and accomplishments.

Leaders who embrace humility understand that their role is to serve and empower others. They’re not focused on applause or validation but are committed to making a meaningful impact. They are the ones who seek feedback from diverse voices, especially those who may have a different view or approach. Humility, therefore, isn't about downplaying our abilities but about valuing other perspectives and ideas as part of our growth.

Seeking Feedback from Diverse Perspectives

Feedback is one of the most valuable tools in our journey toward self-awareness, yet it’s often underutilized. Too many leaders fall into the comfort zone of echo chambers, surrounding themselves with voices that reinforce their opinions. This "applause" might feel affirming, but it can blind us to important insights and opportunities for improvement.

To avoid this trap, it’s essential to seek feedback from diverse sources—those who see things differently, have contrasting backgrounds, or aren’t afraid to challenge us. Each perspective provides a unique lens through which we can view our own leadership, shining a light on aspects we may have overlooked. Embracing diverse feedback requires humility and openness, as it often reveals areas we need to work on. However, the growth we achieve from these perspectives is unparalleled.

By actively seeking diverse feedback, we enrich our understanding, deepen our empathy, and, ultimately, become more effective leaders. We learn to listen more closely, question more thoughtfully, and act more decisively—all hallmarks of a leader committed to growth.

Becoming Leaders Worth Following

Erasmus’s observation isn’t just about criticizing arrogance; it’s a reminder of the importance of humility, self-awareness, and meaningful feedback in our lives. As leaders, we must move beyond the superficial applause and instead embrace the constructive feedback that leads to genuine improvement. This path requires us to put our egos aside, to listen deeply, and to continuously refine ourselves.

When we commit to this journey, we don’t just grow as individuals; we foster an environment that values growth, honesty, and collaboration. We inspire others not with our titles, but with our example. So let us embrace self-awareness, lead with humility, and seek insights from those who see things differently. After all, becoming a leader worth following is a lifelong pursuit—one that demands both courage and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.

#Leadership #GrowthMindset #SelfAwareness #Humility #ContinuousImprovement #Feedback