Preparation Is How Leaders Demonstrate Competence and Earn Respect
January 28, 2026
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The best leaders in the world share a secret. They focus on gaining competence but not at the expense of humility.
They know that competence earns authority, but humility earns trust.
No one wants to work for an ego-driven leader. However, the same is true for an incompetent one. The balance of being competent enough to lead with conviction and humble enough to listen is what sets great leaders apart. That skill of competent humility might be the most attractive quality a leader can develop.
Competence earns authority, but humility earns trust
Every action you take as a leader falls somewhere between competence and humility.
Competence is your ability to perform, make sound decisions, and deliver sound strategy. It’s built through study, skill, and repetition.
Humility is your willingness to learn, listen, and admit you don’t have all the answers. C.S. Lewis said, It’s not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s built through curiosity, gratitude, and perspective.
Most leaders unintentionally slide too far in one direction.
The most respected leaders live in the top right corner, high competence and high humility.
The more competent you become, the harder it is to stay humble. The more humble you remain, the easier it is to keep growing.
If you were to score yourself on a 1–10 scale for both attributes, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Strive to raise both numbers together. When competence and humility rise in tandem, so does your credibility.
You might be wondering, do I have competent humility? If you aren’t asking yourself that question, the answer is probably no.
The best way to find out is to examine your actions. Leaders with competent humility say things like:
They do things like:
These behaviors might sound simple, but they reflect deep maturity. Great leaders know what they know, but they’re also aware of what they don’t. That balance builds trust faster than any title or talent ever could.
In today’s world, authority is questioned more than ever. Credibility doesn’t come from certainty. It comes from action and openness. People trust leaders who are confident but not condescending, clear but not controlling.
Competent humility bridges the gap between expertise and empathy. It shows your team that you care more about getting it right than being right. And it’s contagious. The best teacher in leadership is example, and a leader’s actions will always mean more than their words.
When you model curiosity, others get curious. When you model listening, others listen. When you model decisiveness, others follow suit. However, the opposite is also true.
In his final letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett wrote: “Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes – learn at least a little from them and move on. It is never too late to improve.”
He went on to say:
“I write this as one who has been thoughtless countless times and made many mistakes, but also became very lucky in learning from some wonderful friends how to behave better (still a long way from perfect, however). Keep in mind that the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the Chairman.”
That’s competent humility in one paragraph.
Buffett, one of the most successful business leaders in history, used his farewell message to remind the world not to idolize wealth or success but to prioritize growth, kindness, and perspective.
Use the Growth 20 Rule
Spend at least 20 minutes a day investing in your development. Read, listen, or study something that challenges your thinking. The more uncomfortable it feels, the more growth it holds.
Hold Opinions Lightly
Form strong, informed opinions, then hold them with open hands. Ask for feedback. Stay flexible enough to change course when new information appears.
Coach Yourself to Listen First
When you meet with others, get curious before you contribute. Ask questions. Learn about their challenges, perspectives, and goals. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
The best leaders in the world focus on gaining competence but not at the expense of humility.
Now that you know competence earns authority and humility builds trust, your job is to balance the two in your own leadership. Channel your inner Warren Buffett and get in the habit of saying, “I have a strong view, but I haven’t heard yours yet.”
Because the moment you stop learning, you stop leading.
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About the Author: John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft and The Sales Infrastructure. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success. You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades.
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