Whether you realize it or not, people pick up on something when you walk into a room. It could be good or bad. It could be excitement, hope, and joy or it might be worry, anxiety, fear, and doubt.

Effective leadership consistently engages with humble reality checks. One of the best ways to improve as a person and leader is to ask those around you how they feel when you’re around, how you can better serve them, and what are some primary ways to improve on your leadership.

In Jim Collins’ best-selling book “Good to Great,” he shares the secret of what separates great leaders from good leaders: Those who walk in genuine humility.

Ask team members on a regular basis how you can better serve them, communicate more effectively, and provide better encouragement. Give them permission to be honest and transparent because effective leadership is all about remaining a student — and that requires a humble heart and a strong desire to see people become all that they were created to be.

A great practical step to take this week is to ask a team member, a client, or a strategic partner how you can improve as a leader, as a worker, and as person to better serve them. Demand honesty, and be willing to accept that honesty without taking it too personally.

By Robb Holman