Navy SEAL Perspective: The Five Pillars Of Humility

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's the ability to put the mission, the team, and the truth above your own ego every single time." – Mathew Lehnig

Humility is the quiet force that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. It's not a sign of weakness but a testament to true strength—the ability to lead without arrogance, succeed without boasting, and learn without defensiveness. For Navy SEALs, humility is a critical survival skill, ensuring clear thinking, decisive action, and unwavering focus on the mission. It's the antidote to ego, which can cloud judgment, fracture teams, and jeopardize success. Humility allows leaders to build trust, foster resilience, and maintain clarity even under the most extreme conditions. It's the guiding compass that ensures you never stop growing, never lose sight of the mission, and always elevate those around you.

In high-stakes environments, humilitykeeps you grounded, connected to your team, and ready to adapt. It's not just about setting aside ego—it's about actively putting the mission and the team above yourself, learning from every success and failure, and leading with a service-first mindset. These Five Pillars of Humility embody the strength, discipline, and courage required to lead with impact, both in the SEAL Teams and in life.

1 - Embrace Vulnerability: The Gateway to Authenticity

Humility begins with the courage to confront your own limitations and be transparent about what you don't know. Vulnerability is not a weakness—it's an essential tool for building trust and genuine relationships.

• Admit Mistakes Without Excuses: Owning up to errors demonstrates strength of character. It shows that you value truth and growth over ego, setting a standard that inspires others to do the same.
• Request Input Without Hesitation: A humble leader seeks advice and opinions, knowing that collaborationstrengthens outcomes. This openness fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
• Show Humanity in Leadership: Vulnerability makes you relatable and approachable. Share the challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them—this doesn't diminish your leadership; it amplifies it.

Vulnerability doesn't mean exposing every weakness; it means showing enough authenticity to foster trust and connection while building bridges that unite the team.

2 - Prioritize the Mission Over Ego: "Leave Your Ego at the Door"

One of the first lessons every Navy SEAL learns is to leave their ego at the door. Success in high-stakes missions is never about individual glory; it's about achieving the objective as a unified team.

• Focus on the Mission Above All: In the SEAL Teams, personal pride is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is accomplishing the task. Humility means recognizing that the mission is always bigger than the individual.
• Celebrate Collective Wins: Humble leaders shine the spotlight on the team rather than themselves.Acknowledging the contributions of others builds trust, unity, and motivation.
• Suppress the Need for Validation: Understand that leadership isn't about applause; it's about action. Let the mission's success be your reward, not external recognition.

By putting ego aside, leaders can think more clearly, collaborate more effectively, and inspire others to give their best without fear of competition or resentment.

3 - Be a Lifelong Learner: Growth Through Humility

Humility unlocks the mindset of a perpetual student, keeping you open to growth and change, no matter how experienced you are.

• Adopt a Beginner's Mindset: No matter how much you know, act as if there's still more to learn. This mindset keeps you curious, adaptable, and ready for new challenges.
• Learn from Every Person You Meet: The ability to learn is not limited to formal training. Whether it's a peer, a subordinate, or even someone outside your field, there is always something you can take away.
• Evolve with the Situation: The world changes rapidly, and leadership requires constant adaptation. Humility allows you to adjust strategies without clinging to outdated methods or ideas.

Growth is the ultimate goal of leadership, and humility ensures you never stop striving for it. The most effective leaders are those who view every day as an opportunity to improve.

4 - Cultivate Resolve: The Strength to Stand for Others

Resolve is the determination to act decisively and steadfastly for the well-being and success of the team. It's more than empathy—it's the unrelenting commitment to protect, support, and empower those you lead.

• Commit to Their Challenges: Truly understanding the burdens your team carries requires more than listening—it demands action. Resolve means stepping into their shoes and taking on challenges alongside them.
• Anticipate Needs Without Asking: A leader with resolve doesn't wait to be asked for help. They anticipate what their team needs to succeed and act decisively to provide it.
• Stand as Their Shield: Whether it's shielding your team from undue criticism, unfair expectations, or dangerous risks, resolve ensures they know you have their backs at all times.

Resolve is about being the unshakable presence your team can rely on, even in the most turbulent and high-pressure environments. It's not just about understanding their struggles—it's about doing something about it.

5 - Serve Others: Leadership Through Selflessness

Humility reaches its peak in service. Leadership is not about commanding; it's about enabling others to succeed.

• Be Present and Accessible: A humble leader is available to the team, not hiding behind rank or barriers. Being present ensures that your team knows you're fully committed to their success.
• Support Their Growth Relentlessly: Great leaders invest time and resources into building their team's skills and confidence. When the team grows stronger, everyone benefits.
• Lead Through Action: The best leaders demonstrate humility by getting in the trenches with their team. Show that no task is beneath you, and your actions will inspire respect and loyalty.

Service-oriented leadership builds a culture of mutual respect and trust. When leaders prioritize the well-being of their team, they create a foundation for sustained success and unity.

Conclusion: The Quiet Strength of Humility

Humility is not about diminishing yourself; it's about elevating others and keeping your focus on what truly matters—the mission, the team, and the truth. For Navy SEALs, humility is not a passive trait but an active discipline, shaping the way they lead, learn, and serve.

By embracing vulnerability, prioritizing the mission, committing to lifelong learning, cultivating resolve, and leading through service, you can harness the transformative power of humility. These pillars are not just guidelines for leadership—they are a blueprint for a life of purpose and impact.

In the end, humility is the foundation of trust, the catalyst for growth, and the secret to enduring leadership. It's the invisible thread that holds teams together and the quiet strength that drives extraordinary achievements. As you face challenges, remember that true leadership begins when you leave your ego at the door and embrace the enduring power of humility.

Mathew Lehnig is the VP of Programs / C-Suite Executive at EXCELR8 , a former Navy SEAL Officer & Combat Proven Veteran, Author, Keynote Speaker, Leadership Contributor, Executive and The Honor Foundation Coach, and an Expert in leadership development, organizational transformation, and building high-performance teams.