The way leaders interact with their teams has a huge impact on employee behaviour.
Social Learning Theory suggests that we often learn by observing and imitating others. When leaders embrace humility, they set the stage for employees to engage in job crafting, a powerful way to boost job satisfaction and performance.
What is Social Learning Theory?
Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, is all about learning through observation.
In the workplace, this means employees often mimic behaviours they see rewarded or acknowledged in leaders and peers. It highlights just how influential role models are in shaping workplace behaviour and culture.
What does humble leadership look like?
Humble leaders are self-aware and open to feedback. They acknowledge their own limitations and focus on the strengths of their team. This kind of leadership encourages employees to contribute, take initiative, and feel empowered in their roles.
By leading with humility, managers show employees that it’s okay to learn, grow, and adapt. These are key elements of job crafting.
Why does humble leadership matter?
It encourages knowledge sharing.
Employees feel safe to share ideas when leaders create a judgement-free space. This openness makes collaboration and problem-solving easier, which in turn supports job crafting.It inspires job crafting.
Humble leaders lead by example, encouraging employees to redesign their roles to better fit their strengths, interests, and goals. This boosts creativity and engagement.It builds resilience.
A humble leader provides support and encouragement, helping teams bounce back from challenges and stay engaged.
How can leaders encourage job crafting?
Model it yourself.
Leaders can inspire their teams by showing how they adapt and improve their own roles. This might mean seeking feedback, trying new approaches, or pursuing personal development.Freedom within a framework.
Build a workplace where employees feel comfortable experimenting and taking risks. Offer guidance and set boundaries, but give them the freedom to find their own solutions within this.Provide learning opportunities.
Training programmes focused on humility and social learning can help leaders support job crafting effectively.Recognise contributions.
Regular feedback and recognition go a long way in motivating employees to take ownership of their roles.
Why humble leadership works
When leaders embrace humility, employees feel empowered to reshape their roles and take control of their work. This approach empowers knowledge sharing, boosts resilience, and encourages continuous improvement.
By embedding humble leadership and job crafting into your workplace culture, you’re setting the stage for greater engagement, innovation, and success, one proactive change at a time.
This article was written by Thaleia Maria Sykioti, a recent Occupational psychology graduate from the University of Sheffield. Connect with Thaleia on LinkedIn.
