The Professional Humility / Hubris Cycle

I've noticed a general pattern during my career that pertains to humility and hubris.

Disclaimer: This is simply a personal observation and opinion and by no means applicable to everyone. Though I am a big believer in "the exception proves the rule".

One or the other?

I genuinely think that people think in binary terms far too often.

To some, something is either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, right or wrong, yes or no. In reality, there are very often a million shades of grey between these polar opposites which we must learn to consider and navigate.

I think the same is true of humility and hubris, they can be both good and bad in excessive quantities but extremely beneficial when a balance is achieved, something we strive to do throughout our lives and careers.

Humility

Definition: the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance.

I find this definition short and overly simplified - but of course it is. Definitions are purposely brief and simply cannot go into detail around complexities else the dictionary would be 10x larger than it is.

Being humble is important. Humility grounds us, paves the way for empathy, gratitude, awareness and helps us avoid negative traits such as arrogance, narcissism, or overconfidence and the consequences they bring.

We know that too little humility is bad. That way arrogance lies. In fact, if you ask most people and they will assume that everyone has a bare minimum amount of humility.

But too much humility can also be detrimental. Don't get me wrong, if everyone practiced humility, the world would be a better place and we would be fine, but in truth, people take advantage of those that are too humble as it is often mistaken for other things such as Introversion, weakness or lack of confidence.

So by all means, practice humility, but be wary of those that don't.

Be humble. As humble as you can be. To a point.

Hubris

Definition: excessive pride or self-confidence.

Again, this definition unquestionably puts hubris in a bad light. But I would argue that hubris is for better or worse, an inescapable intrinsic part of the professional business world. It is present in marketing, sales, our careers, everywhere and not limited to any demographic.

Too much hubris is unquestionably bad. No one likes the reek of arrogance. Those exhibiting excessive hubris are usually afflicted by accompanying narcissism or worse, making us question their motivations.

But perhaps controversially, I think hubris is ok in small quantities. I personally think hubris can be an acceptable way of communicating confidence and expertise as I've seem many, many do successfully with great effect.

It may just be my pragmatic nature but I would argue that when hubris is balanced with humility (not an easy exercise) we get the best of both worlds.

If you think back to most of the leaders in history you will notice a mixture of both humility and hubris.

The Professional Humility / Hubris Cycle

Tortured definitions in hand..

I've noticed varying degrees of humility and hubris from people at different parts of their career, and even as they are navigating between different stages as shown and described in the below caption.

1. Start School. Humility: High, Hubris: Low - Our first day of school, we are shy, cry, not want to let go of mummy or daddy's leg and reluctantly start school, very very humbly.
2. Finish School. Humility: Low, Hubris: High - By the time we've finished school, we are a lot more confident being the most senior of the years/grades below, verging on cocky.
3. First Job. Humility: High, Hubris: Low - When it comes to entering the workplace, our hubris is reset, and once again replaced by humility. There is so much to learn, surrounded by those with more experience and the ever present fear of making mistakes.
4. Mid Career. Humility: Low, Hubris: High - As our careers progress, we generally become more confident and realise that confidence generally gets us further than humility, which often takes a back seat. We are driven to prove ourselves and our abilities, welcome back hubris.
5. Senior Leader. Humility: High, Hubris: Low - By the time some of us become senior leaders, we have already demonstrated our expertise and abilities and no longer need hubris to promote ourselves any further. We can return to what is ultimately most important, humility, empathy and gratitude. All of which are fantastic leadership qualities.

Summary

Again, this is just a pattern I have noticed in my network. I'm not claiming it to be steadfast rule. You will have your own experiences and opinions, your mileage will vary.

What I believe at this point in my pragmatic outlook, life/career is that like the many shades of grey, too much humility can be a bad thing, a little hubris is ok and ultimately, if you can balance and master the application of humility and hubris in the correct doses, you will do better than being na?ve of both.

I'd love to hear if you have noticed the same pattern or your thoughts on humility and hubris.

PS: When it comes to comments, in a world where you can be anything, be nice.

-- Lee