Abstract
This research project intends to make a compelling case for integrating humility into generally recognized leadership competencies. My interest in humility arises from the sense that there is more involved in effective leadership than just practicing and perfecting a list of leadership competencies. I endeavored to find the impetus that pushes good leaders into the realm of exceptional leaders. I found that it was humility. I researched the concept of humility and created questionnaires to solicit research participants' experiences with exceptional leaders. Both the literature and the participants' responses were strikingly similar. Humble leaders elicit high levels of organizational and personal engagement in their followers. This engagement results in an empowered organizational climate; high-performing, self-regulating teams, and motivated employees who seek higher levels of performance and competency.
