10/18/2026
A while back, I was talking with a friend—one of those conversations where you keep blinking, wondering if you're actually hearing the words coming out of their mouth.
He was explaining, with great confidence, that sociopaths and narcissists make the best leaders because they don't get bogged down by things like emotions or, you know, human decency.
“They get the job done,” he said.
I sat there, trying not to choke on my coffee, thinking about all the times I've seen bullies “get the job done.”
Parents who ruled their kids with fear. Bosses who led by intimidation. Politicians who won by division. Sure, they got results—compliance, obedience, maybe even power. But at what cost?
When did we start equating arrogance with strength? Manipulation with strategy? Hubris with leadership?
Somewhere along the way, we decided that the loudest person in the room must be the smartest, that cruelty is necessary “toughness,” and that humility is for people who don't have what it takes to win.
When did we lose sight of the fact that real leadership—the kind that builds something worth keeping—isn't about dominance? It's about character.
It's about giving credit instead of hoarding it, taking responsibility instead of shifting blame, listening instead of shouting, and choosing humility over ego.
Humility isn't just a virtue to admire—it's a necessity for anyone who wants to lead well, love well, and live well.
Read the rest of this article on our blog:
https://www.newsletter.lifeapp.ca/p/the-strength-of-humility-why-true-power-lies-in-character-not-ego
Jonathan
