Humility: Holding Your Power for the Good of Others

Heather Rodriguez, Director of Quality, TBD Consulting

I have never been one to struggle with self-esteem issues. I have always been confident in who I am - I make mistakes, strive to learn from them and then move on as quickly as possible. My struggle has always been the opposite: Pride. So when I heard a speaker at a leadership conference talk about how the most important thing in leadership is Humility, I was immediately intrigued. I want and crave humility, but it doesn't come naturally to me - as a consequence my pride shows its angry face as arrogance which is often alienating to those I lead.

John Dickson, author of the leadership book, Humilitas, challenged my thinking. He explained that it is in humility, not confidence, that we generate learning and growth. With confidence and boastfulness, we are protective and unwilling to listen to others. It is a way of hiding our feelings on inadequacy. Dickson writes, "Those who strive for the heights of achievement, while valuing relationships with family and friends above all else, will find their sense of worth maintained during the ups and downs of accomplishment. Relationships are where security is really found. And since humility - holding your power for the good of others - can only enhance our relationships, I feel confident saying that humility not only signals security, it fosters it as well."

Comments

[Jonena Relth]

Heather, Well said. It's no question why people trust and follow your leading. Your actions leave no doubt that you value your customers, peers, friends and family!