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Humble Leadership
Book

Humble Leadership

The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust

Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein
Berrett-Koehler, 2018

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Editorial Rating

8

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In a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, versatile leadership makes more sense than the shopworn model of lofty corporate “heroes and disruptors” who are supposedly invincible. Edgar H. Schein, a management scholar, and his son Peter A. Schein, an expert on organizations, explain how to achieve cultural change through “humble leadership.” The theme picks up on their previous books, Humble Consulting and Humble Inquiry. Their guidance will be especially useful to coaches, mentors and HR officials who work on leadership development.

Take-Aways

  • The four levels of leadership are 1) “Level Minus 1, inhumane”; 2) “Level 1, impersonal”; 3) “Level 2, totally humane”; and 4) “Level 3, bonded.”
  • Level 2 calls for “humble leadership,” which is open, personal, engaging and trusting.
  • Humble leaders see every individual as valuable. 

About the Authors

Edgar H. Schein, PhD, is professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. His son Peter A. Schein co-founded and is chief operating officer of the Organizational Culture and Leadership Institute.

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    W. M. 5 years ago
    “Level 2” leadership – In contrast, leaders at this level recognize employees as individuals. They know everyone is valuable. They practice personalized, trusting humble leadership, which is collaborative and cooperative. Level 2 doesn’t rely on hierarchical roles. It replaces subordination with collaboration. Examples include close colleagues on corporate teams. Level 2 leadership isn’t for executives only. Today, doctors, teachers and other professionals are learning that friendly, personal relationships with their colleagues and those they serve are more effective and enduring than formal, distant ones.
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    I. V. 5 years ago
    a leader recognizes himself if he treats employees like" Level 2" leaderschip