An interesting finding among leadership researchers continues to reveal something of an enigma. Whether it be the research by Jim Collins or Kay and Shipman’s work, they find that leaders who ascend to pinnacle positions demonstrate both humility and confidence.

For too long, the leadership traits of confidence and humility have been viewed as polar opposites. Yet the research has shown that effective leaders possess an interesting combination of both. Let’s be clear about what each means.

The apt definition of humility from C. S. Lewis is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. That means you are paying attention to the people around you. Your focus is on them, making them better, creating an environment for them to succeed and removing barriers that interfere with their success.

On the other hand, personal confidence is defined as a belief in your judgment and ability to succeed. Your fundamental conviction is that you will succeed and will apply everything you have to make it so. It’s your belief that drives your perseverance.

It’s no wonder humility and confidence seem to be opposites. One focuses on your people; the other on yourself. Yet outstanding leaders have developed the ability weave these two traits together.

Another observation: If you are like most, you have a leaning to one or the other. If you lean toward humility, you run the danger of self- deprecation, demonstrated in indecisiveness, self-doubt, and anxiety. If you lean toward confidence, you are likely to demonstrate arrogance through not listening to others, being demanding and demeaning.

The take-away for you is to assess your ability to demonstrate both, determine your natural leaning and then develop a mindset and behavior that blends the two. Only then will you prove yourself to be a leader worthy to be followed.