Horan-Kates: There’s strength in humility
Courtesy photo
Humility: Why is that an important leadership principle?
I define “humility” as a quality marked by modesty and unpretentiousness. It exhibits a quiet determination. And it’s deferential to others; the opposite of boastful.
At bottom, humility is an attitude. While some people think of this quality as a weakness, it’s really more about respect for others and an unassuming way of carrying yourself. As opposed to exalting yourself, humility is about having a healthy ego (recognizing that we all have one) that holds a sense of yourself in balance with the other forces and factors at play. When pride reflects an inflated sense of self, hubris, really, it can become a cancer on humility.
To many people, humility is born from one’s spiritual perspective and has to do with yielding to a higher power, however you might conceive of that source. Prayer warriors know that it’s hard to connect with God when your mind is whirring with all your “stuff.”
Humility is one of those leadership principles that is easily couched in the “do’s” and “don’ts.” And in both of these realms, it often shows up in how we interact with others. For example, in the “do” column, be modest about your accomplishments; let others sing your praises; be patient. In terms of “don’ts,” avoid boasting, don’t try to control everything, and don’t pretend you have all the answers. Admit your mistakes versus hanging on to being right. In the end, if you say you’re a humble person, you’re probably not.
Support Local Journalism
In his classic book, “Good to Great,” Jim Collins posits that “level 5 leaders are those who are self-effacing, quiet, reserved and have a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.” The teaching of this attitude is probably not high in the curriculum in most MBA programs, but rather learned in the crucible of life.
Who were some of the leaders over time who were humble? Abraham Lincoln comes to mind, as does Mohandas Gandhi, Jesus and Eleanor Roosevelt. What about the holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl? Who do you know that exhibits this quality?
A few leading practices for humility might include. Practices are the possible approaches you might take to put a key principle into action.
- Be patient, but determined
- Use “and” versus “but” and “we” versus “I”
- Choose an attitude of gratitude
- Love one another
- Realize that not knowing is OK
An important question on humility might be: How do you keep your ego in reasonable balance? For more information and resources on “humility” and other key principles in the Inside First framework, check out Vail Alliance’s website at VailAlliance.org.
John Horan-Kates is the president of the Vail Alliance in Edwards and can be reached at 970-306-3276 or JohnHoranKates@gmail.com.
