Why Being Humble Matters to your Success?

I speak daily with CEO's, Heads of Sales, Managing Director, Managers etc. Those that are humble, are having a much bigger impact on their organization and are far more successful in their careers (long term). 

Sounds pretty bold? Well, hear me out...

When I get in front of an Executive, I usually encounter 2 types of people. If I hear "We are doing just fine" or "We know what works for our business" or "its the way we've always done things - it works for us" its an immediate red flag to me - lets call that person Executive A. On the other hand, I get many opportunities to talk to executives who despite having organic 20+% year of year growth are able to say - "BUT, we could really use improvement in areas A, B & C" or "we are not that mature" or "I am still concerned about"...you get the picture - That's Executive B. 

Now, you have executive A and B. Executive A may seem to many (and to themselves) as confident. And that's great, they should be! Look how much they've accomplished! They are responsible for millions upon millions of dollars, and many people report into them, and respect them. BUT executive A is missing something that B has that's critically important to their success in role. B has foresight, and humility. Executive B, despite having accomplished the very same things as Executive A - thinks differently about the world. They realize that they don't have all the answers despite their education, network and experience. They realize that their position can be swept from beneath them tomorrow! They also realize that even if you are doing well, that doesn't mean you will always do well - and if you don't engage in the latest thinking, you risk falling behind or being blindsided by your competitors. That's a major competitive advantage for Executive B. 

There is actually one more type of Executive lets call him/her ExecB+!. Even if you are humble, and foreword looking - it actually doesn't mean you will do something about a problem, or champion an Idea. ExecB+, is Executive B with a take action attitude! When they smell an opportunity to improve and/or to protect the business, they are not afraid of the internal politics or what other will think of them for disrupting status quo. If they think its good, they use their knowledge of the internal organization to ACTUALLY DRIVE CHANGE!! They may proceed with some caution, but the proceed and explore. 

The reward to the business is transformational. It means efficiency, better retention, crushing competition, better EVP, better internal. Its what Executives are paid to do. 

I actually think that these characteristics have little to do with your role type, function, seniority etc - but rather your upbringing and the influence of your earlier years. Its about challenging status quo, having guts, anticipating change, identifying opportunity - and that has nothing to do with someone being in a  particular field of work. 

The real question is, who is who in your zoo? Are you counting on them for visionary leadership and change - will they disappoint/put you at risk in the long run? And lets turn the mirror around for a moment...Who are you???!! 

The good news is, if you realize this about someone you work with, about yourself...you can change the way you start to look at the world and take action. It ins't easy, but I have no doubt that a person can be inspired to change.

Thank you, 

Allen -