11/3 2011
Posted in: Leadership, Personal Growth, Servant Leadership
A few days ago I provided my list of the perceptions that I feel it takes to be a great leader/great coach. One of the perceptions on my list for being a great leader is humility. Here’s why I believe strongly that great leaders are humble. In order to experience an awestruck moment or to experience a transcendental moment in which we are so moved and so touched by something that our heart opens up to new places, we have to recognize that there is more to this world than ourselves. We have to be willing to admit that we don’t know everything and that sometimes the simplest of events can impact us in profound ways. A humble heart is one that is open and receptive to the world beyond our own boundaries of thought and presence. Going outside of ourselves provides us with the opportunity to experience the joy or magnificence of a transformative experience.
But why would being willing to experience transformative moments be important to a great leader? Without transformative moments we are remaining the same. And with sameness comes stagnation, lack of creativity and lack of ingenuity. I see one of the extreme opposites of humility as arrogance. Arrogance blocks out the oppotunity for other potential. Arrogance says that there is only one way to think about things and that one way is MY way. Humble people invite those into their circles who are different and unique because there is a recognition that different ideas are important to achieving the highest of potentials.
Here are some behaviors that a humble person would demonstrate:
- Inviting someone new to join a group rather than waiting to be asked if the person can join your group. Humble people look out and see the opportunities for building community, especially in areas where a sense of community is lacking.
- Asking for forgiveness and not expecting a recipricol response but purely asking for forgiveness because you recognize your level of fault and blame in a situation. (There is also a difference between saying, “I am sorry” and “Will you forgive me?” Try using these sometime and see if you can feel the difference between the two)
- Asking questions rather than immediately judging someone’s opinion.
- Admitting you do not know the answer even when you would like to stay silent and pretend that you do
- Raising someone else to the forefront and becoming joy-filled for their success without wondering when it will be your turn for the limelight
These are just some examples of behaviors that would indicate a humble heart. What other examples can you think of?
Being humble is a tough characteristic to accomplish but one that will allow us to see bigger potentials and recognize the opportunity for bigger successes for an entire community of people. It is a characteristic that I challenge myself to be more of every day. My desire for myself is to never miss an opportunity for learning and I know that learning starts with recognizing that I have a lot to learn!
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
What can I do today to open my heart beyond my own inner circle of thoughts and ideas?
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