Keeping staff focused on meeting your goals and producing high-quality deliverables takes confident leadership, tempered with a certain brand of productive humility. Recent studies have shown that humility is in fact a key element of an engaging leadership style. In one multinational study, both women and men noted that, when they observed selfless or altruistic behavior in their managers, they were more likely to feel included in their teams, and to provide more innovative product ideas or improvements to the work process.

Managing with arrogance often results in disengaged and demoralized team members who are less than committed to their work. Knowing the difference between confidence and arrogance, and knowing when and what to do if you cross the line, is what will distinguish you as a successful leader.

Here are a few tips to keep your team performing at their peak, by projecting the right balance of self-assurance and humility on the job.

Learn to Create Space for Others

Empowering others to learn and grow by creating space for their personal development is a powerful leadership skill. The ability to recognize each team member's unique abilities, while encouraging a positive team culture of inclusiveness, will create not only a well-developed and supportive team, it also shows your humility as a manager.

Focus on listening to hone your leadership abilities. Keep in mind, however, that listening takes more communication skills than merely hearing what is being said and planning your next argument. Too often managers are so focused on convincing others to come around to their point of view that they overlook the opportunity to internalize or learn from other points of view. Inclusive and team-focused leaders are able to set aside their personal beliefs and agendas to validate and encourage others.

Take Criticism in a Constructive Manner

Admitting your mistakes as a leader can seem like a treacherous move when your team is counting on you to lead the way to success, but in truth, sharing your mistakes as teachable moments can help set an example of personal growth and learning for others. This allows employees to recognize their own imperfections with grace and learn from them as well.

Both inside and outside of work, humans tend to connect better with people who are able to share their imperfections. Logically, a leader who recognizes the areas where he needs to improve sets a good example for his staff and creates the opportunity to build a deeper connection with his team.

Be a Team Player

It's also a humble act to recognize that managers are part of the team. Occasionally looking at issues from a different perspective, allowing others to take the lead or suggest ideas, for example, sets the stage for your self-affirming yet inclusive leadership style. Show that you are a real team player by taking personal risks for the greater good, and making sure that the rising tide floats all boats.

Trust Employees to Do Their Jobs

Micromanaging is a common and unproductive technique that a fair number of supervisors find themselves falling into the habit of doing. True leaders who inspire and engage their employees are recognized to trust their reports with the tasks that they have been assigned.

Holding employees responsible for results, and particularly giving credit where credit is due, is another mark of a humble and engaging leader. Recognizing that your team is more than just a "means to an end" will establish you as a fair and inspiring manager, and proves that humility outweighs arrogance in the balance of successful leadership skills.