The Power of Humility
Jamie Allison
CEO and Founder at epitome. HR Inc./Big Idea Big Moves Podcast Host/Author/Executive/Entrepreneur
At different stages of our career we meet people who we feel have a bit of a “celebrity” status in your shared field of work. Early in my career I went to see a leadership speaker/expert speak at a venue in the small town I was working in at the time. This person (who shall remain nameless - but, you would know them as they have a prominent book on the shelves right now) was, and still is, a high profile person in the field. I had read the person’s best-selling books, studied their theories and, in many ways, was looking forward to meeting this person at the live event.
All of that ended for me when I witnessed how he treated a fledgling photographer charged with capturing the event. He not only was rude to the individual, he spoke in a demeaning and condescending way. Unbeknownst to him, the speaker had lost a fan and probably many others that day. The importance of being humble is not only an admirable trait. It is good business practice!
A while back a Harvard Business Review article noted that Google’s SVP of People Operations listed humility as a trait they were searching for. Specifically, they noted “intellectual humility” and stated that without humility, you are unable to learn.
As leaders it is important to keep this front of mind.
Learn from ALL feedback - both positive and critical has value.
Be the leader that is open and approachable – your team will not only take note, they will begin to see that trait as a success criteria. You will hear both the good news and the bad news before they become issues.
Use your own misses and failures as “teachable moments”- A great coach connects personal learning experiences (good and bad) to the development feedback of a mentee or employee
Keep calm and carry on – Good to Great noted that humble leaders are also perceived as calming influences on their teams.
Stay off the pedestal – treat everyone with the respect they deserve – even the local photographer. Things find a way of coming full circle.
“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” - John Wooden
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Jamie
Medical Underpayments Recovery Expert | Revenue Cycle Management | Trailblazing Revenue Recovery Expert | Delivering Real Value & Strategic Alliances | Innovative Business Growth Strategist
5 年What a wonderful Article and Reminder - I would agree, but Alix makes an excellent point too, I believe BALANCE is Critical here too! Thank you very much Jamie!!
Entrepreneur in recovery. Luke 19:13 "Do business til He comes"
5 年Perhaps the photographer was similarly clueless about their own role and context for which they were hired? Being polite takes time and energy. As you know, because you forgo the effort when you pitch irrelevant services. Someone's very attention is a gift. If someone is absolutely incompetent I have little time for them either. ( You asked for feedback - )
Owner at JenX Enterprises, LLC
5 年Great article Jamie Allison!! Humility is a gift to yourself and others because it’s a Team first value!! ??
Senior HR Partner @ Tesla
5 年How you mention "Humility is a powerful thing" I totally agree with all of what this article includes because I consider that those that have intellectual humility, make themselves better leaders. In the professional environment, everyone you will ever meet knows something you do not and it is at that moment that as a professional we must have the ability to recognize the limits of our knowledge and be a willingness to listen to new ideas from different people. Thank you, Jamie, to share this article!!
Founder | Principal | Luxury Builder Liaison @ ICON INTERIOR DESIGN Minneapolis MN Interior Design & Construction Management
5 年Humble is one thing. Kind is another.