Episode 6 — Tawadhu’: Leadership Without a Title
“Ad-dāʾimūna al-muḥsinūna bi-l-hudā — Always render service with God’s guidance.”
A Workplace Story
First off, let me just say: what I share here isn’t a how-to. It’s just what I’ve seen, learned, and kept with me over time — a bit of a chill spot… and a wake-up call.
A while back, during one of His Majesty’s surprise visits, something pretty eye-opening came to light.
There was a building — fully equipped, air-conditioned, and meant for staff — just sitting empty.
Meanwhile, the officers and workers who were supposed to use it were hanging out in metal containers outside. In the heat. In the rain. Not exactly the kind of treatment any worker deserves.
His Majesty asked:
“If the buildings aren’t being used, why not turn them into resting areas for staff? Is this really how we handle employee welfare?”
It was a straightforward question — the kind that seems soft but strikes hard. Like all simple questions from wise leaders, it revealed something deeper.
A leader had a building.
Employees had containers.
A leader had comfort.
Employees had excuses.
A leader had authority.
Employees had fatigue.
And the truth was right there, quiet but clear:
Leadership had forgotten to look down.
When Leadership Ignores People, Stress Fills the Workplace
Before we dive deeper, let’s remember His Majesty’s wisdom — reminders that shaped my own views on leadership.
“For great leaders... It's important to be sensitive to their subordinates... not just to be a boss... but to be willing to guide... This is the concern of a leader for their team.” — Titah Hari Perkhidmatan Awam, 31 Okt 2018
And another time he said:
“Don’t prioritise your own interests... Don’t misuse power... Leaders must look after the welfare of the people.”
These aren’t just administrative tips; they’re ethical anchors — a reminder that leadership is about caring, not just having a title.
His Majesty stated something every manager — in any sector — should hang on their wall:
“The lack of leadership is a source of stress in the workforce.”
Not workload.
Not deadlines.
Not even performance pressure.
- Staff tiptoeing around
- Juniors are scared to share ideas
- Good employees leaving without a word
- People whispering instead of speaking up
- Leaders who care more about their title than their team
It’s the absence of Tawadhu’ — humility in leadership.
But leadership — when it’s missing, arrogant, or self-serving — becomes the biggest source of workplace misery.
And we see the signs everywhere:
In a Negara Zikir, this should make us stop and think.
Because the real issue behind all this, from what I’ve seen over the years, isn’t incompetence.
Leadership That Cares for People, Not Just Titles
In another address, His Majesty reminded us:
“Leaders must be aware of the challenges their staff face and help them overcome these obstacles.”
This is tawadhu’ in its purest form. The older I get, the more I realise that humility isn’t just a technique — it’s a way to see people.
Not about putting oneself down.
But about lowering one’s ego to truly see the people you’re responsible for.
A humble leader picks up on things early:
- A struggling officer before they hand in their resignation
- A troubled staff member before issues escalate
- A quiet performer before they burn out
- A budget mishap before it turns into misappropriation
- An empty building before it becomes a scandal
A humble leader listens before people shout.
And cares before people walk away.
When Ego Becomes Policy: Cronyism, Nepotism, and the Death of Trust
Tawadhu’ isn’t just about being a good person; from my experience watching leadership, it’s a shield against something really destructive.
It really is a shield.
His Majesty warned: “Favouritism is the root of poor management.”
Nepotism is the opposite of tawadhu
Making decisions to protect your friends is the opposite of tawadhu.
Humility, on the other hand, builds organisations that last.
Humility asks, “Who needs my help?”
Humility says, “I’m accountable.”
Cronyism is the opposite of tawadhu.
The ego creates silent inner circles.
Ego asks, “Who is loyal to me?”
Ego says, “I’m the boss.”
The Prophet’s Model: Humility Wears No Crown
He said:
“The leader of a people is their servant.”
He mended his own clothes.
He ate with the poor.
He made space for the vulnerable.
He never demanded special treatment.
It’s about earning trust.
Only from the ground where people stand.
And in another saying:
“Whoever humbles themselves for Allah, Allah elevates them.”
Islamic leadership isn’t about showing authority.
And trust can’t be earned from a throne.
When Leaders Forget Titles, Organisations Start to Heal
In workplaces touched by tawadhu’,
They carry Amānah sincerely, knowing that every decision is a trust. They apply Fatānah — wisdom — to analyse problems with fairness, not pride. And when they guide their team with clarity and empathy, they embody Tabligh, the prophetic art of communicating with wisdom.
These aren’t just theories; they’re lived qualities. And tawadhu’ is the soil where all four grow.
In workplaces touched by tawadhu’, we see:
- Leaders who mentor, not intimidate
- Seniors who guide without putting others down
- Managers who listen more than they talk
- Directors who ask, “Are you okay?”
- Employees who feel safe admitting mistakes
- Juniors who dare to innovate
- Teams that work without fear
One humble leader can change the vibe of an entire department.
People stop pretending.Real conversations start happening.
Trust begins to breathe again.
And when tawadhu’ spreads, politics fade away.
Because tawadhu’ is the safeguard of the prophetic traits. Ṣiddiq loses its light when arrogance distorts truth. Amānahweakens when leaders protect status over people. Fatānah — wisdom — dies in an echo chamber of flattery. And Tabligh, the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately, becomes hollow when humility is missing.
So humility isn’t an add-on to leadership. From what I’ve seen, it’s the stabiliser — the quiet force that prevents power from turning cruel.
A Gentle Reminder: Boss vs. Leader (Inserted Reflection)
A boss commands. A leader accompanies.
A boss creates distance. A leader builds trust.
A boss relies on the title. A leader relies on character.
This little reflection fits right in because tawadhu’ is the dividing line:
A boss wants to be important.
A leader wants to be helpful.
And that brings us back to the heart of this episode — humility isn’t about lowering status, but lowering ego so we can truly see and serve people.
Closing Reflection: Is Leadership a Chair or a Responsibility?
The saddest thing about failed organisations — and I’ve seen a few up close — isn’t the lack of talent.
We have talented people everywhere.
It’s to be useful.
It’s to care.
The saddest thing is this:
Good people shrink because leaders stand too tall.
Islam teaches that greatness rises from humility, not from hierarchy.
A leader’s first duty isn’t to be honoured.
A leader’s first instinct shouldn’t be to command.
A leader’s true greatness isn’t in how many obey him —but in how many he lifts.
And maybe the question I keep asking myself, and invite others to think about too, is simple:
Are we leading from the chair… or from the heart?
📖 KopiTalk with MHO — reflections brewed gently, with honesty and heart.
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