“H” is for Humility

If you Google Humility, the lead post reads, ” a modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness.” No wonder humility is getting a bad rap in today’s society of the power selfie, Facebook FOMO (fear of missing out), and Twitter war generation. Humility was once seen as a virtue. I’m starting a campaign to bring humility back in vogue. (yes, I get the irony of that statement)

Humility has fallen out of favor in the corporate world and is often seen as weakness. In today’s competitive world you’re expected to convey confidence and strength.  And yet, after a 30 year career in human resources I can tell you first hand that some of the most successful and respected individuals conveyed a quiet confidence and  were humbled by their call to public service. They weren’t arrogant or boastful and didn’t feel the need to be front and center. They were sought out for advice and counsel and known as the “Obi-Wans” of the organization. They freely mentored others, sharing their knowledge and expertise.   Humility is a recognition that you are neither above or below anyone else.

Humility also allows you to be passionately curious, to ask questions, to wonder out loud, to imagine possibilities.  When you don’t have all the answers, the possibilities are endless. Humility allows us to stay open and to grow. I once read in an ancient text, “If you ever meet the master who says he has all the answers – run!”

Sometimes it takes heartache, suffering or an event to bring us to our knees and be humbled. When humbled, we develop or deepen our capacity for compassion and empathy. We love more deeply, we cherish our precious time on earth. We learn what is truly important in life – we become more real.

~ Namaste