Welcome to "Navigating Leadership," an eight-part series of articles and videos by Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret), Vice Chair of Global Affairs at Carlyle. Drawing from his 37-year naval career, including his role as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, Admiral Stavridis shares key leadership insights and wisdom for today’s increasingly complex and changing world. Subscribe here to be notified of future editions.

One key trait that defines effective leaders is confidence. The ability to stand by a decision you believe is right, even when faced with opposition, is a hallmark of strong leadership. But just as determination can sometimes devolve into stubbornness, confidence taken too far can turn into arrogance—a toxic quality that can harm a leader and their team.

Success, unfortunately, often provides the perfect conditions for arrogance to thrive. This makes humility an essential trait that leaders must nurture, encourage and reinforce in themselves and their teams. I’ve learned first-hand how excessive arrogance paired with a lack of humility can become dangerous.

“You can be on top of the world and very cocky and very confident. And then something will happen that will change your trajectory. In that moment, you'll discover the need to be humble.”

In the mid-1990s, I commanded the USS Barry, a guided missile destroyer named after Commodore John Barry—often called the “Father of the American Navy.” After winning several naval competitions in our home port of Norfolk, Virginia, we proudly went to sea to conduct an important inspection, thinking we would return with another win. As it turned out, we were too cocky.

A failure in our ship’s engineering forced us to be towed back to port—a humiliating experience for a commanding officer. Not only did I have to relinquish control of my ship, but we were also towed past the entire Pacific fleet as the ship returned to harbor. Fortunately, my Commodore allowed us to retake the inspection. With the support of my peers who commanded other destroyers and cruisers, we resolved the issues and eventually passed the inspection with the lowest passing grade.

I learned an important lesson that day: bad things can happen to anyone, even those who seem to have everything under control and rarely make mistakes. Sooner or later, we all need help.

The following are some suggestions for how to practice and build humility. All are equally important.

1. Focus on active listening

In the workplace, it’s far too easy to multitask. Whenever possible, give conversations your full attention and attempt to understand what others are trying to say. Hearing someone’s words is one thing; actively engaging with someone who is expressing themselves is much more beneficial. Active listening not only adds depth and meaning to conversations, but it demonstrates that you value other people and their input.

2. Recognize your weaknesses

Many leaders know their strengths, but it’s equally important to understand their weaknesses. A wise leader truthfully assesses their shortcomings, acknowledges them, and works to improve them. Doing so is a sign of humility that others will respect and appreciate.

3. Admit errors

For many people, the four most difficult words in the English language are, “I made a mistake.” However, leaders who openly acknowledge mistakes and take steps to correct them set a powerful example—one that fosters psychological safety, reduces barriers to progress, and sets a constructive tone for problem-solving.

4. Accept help

It can be difficult to ask for help, but doing so strengthens a leader’s effectiveness and builds trust within teams. Humility and teamwork go hand-in-hand, and leaders who accept help demonstrate that success is often a collective effort.

5. Acknowledge others

Noticing and commending the good work of team members and colleagues shows that leadership is not about appearances but fostering collaboration to achieve shared goals.

6. Keep learning

Embracing opportunities for learning and growth is crucial for today’s leaders. In a rapidly changing world, learning requires the humility to admit that you don’t know everything. Humble leaders view knowledge and skills as evolving, rather than fixed.

Embracing these suggestions will not only help you cultivate humility, they are hallmarks of effective and sustainable leadership. Until next time, Godspeed and open water in your own leadership voyage.

Until next time, Godspeed and open water in your own leadership voyage.

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