Humility
DEFINITION
The ability to acknowledge mistakes and learn from others
WHAT IS IT?
Humility goes beyond simply diminishing oneself or abandoning personal ambition. It involves a realistic recognition of human imperfection and a commitment to self-improvement. A genuinely humble person accepts their faults and gives credit where it is deserved.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Humility is a key trait of mature and effective leaders. A humble leader is confident in their achievements and is comfortable sharing recognition with others. They are also open to admitting their mistakes as part of their ongoing self-improvement. This approach not only boosts team morale and fosters greater engagement but also enhances organizational cohesion. Humility can diffuse conflicts, drive progress, and facilitate meaningful change within an organization.
Books to Read
Humble Leadership: The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust
Humble Leadership calls for “here and now” humility based on a deeper understanding of the constantly evolving complexities of interpersonal, group and intergroup relationships that require shifting our focus towards the process of group dynamics and collaboration.
Speaker and historian John Dickson shows how the virtue of humility was an important character trait for the ‘greats’ of history and figures prominently in the findings of psychology and sociology. Developing humility can transform your personal relationships and professional dealings.
Servant leadership is the most powerful and influential style of leadership. This book will show you how to become a humble, servant leader and create an environment where everyone rises to their highest potential.
Humility Is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age
We need to be humble enough to let go of the idea that “smart” means knowing the most, using that information quickest, and making the fewest mistakes. Instead, we need to cultivate important abilities that smart machines don’t have (yet): thinking critically, creatively, and innovatively and building close relationships.
Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking instead of Telling
Communication is essential in a healthy organization. But all too often when we interact with people—especially those who report to us—we simply tell them what we think they need to know. This shuts them down. To generate bold new ideas, to avoid disastrous mistakes, to develop agility and flexibility, we need to practice Humble Inquiry.
