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​Humility: The Perspective We All Need

Humility is the true answer to so many questions and challenges we face. Maybe not on the surface, but deep down at the root of the decision it almost always comes back to a question of humility. 

So, how do we grow our humility? What humbles us? 

For some, it’s failure and embarrassment - a devastating loss, a divorce, bankruptcy. Events such as these tend to push us to rock bottom, where the need to change outweighs the desire to remain the same. But, not for everyone. 

Some will cling to their pride and arrogance at all costs while others need no event at all to live with humility. Why? What makes someone act with humility and others act with arrogance?

Why Should We Care?
It’s a great question, isn’t it. And if the answer was easy, we could solve a lot of the world’s problems. But it’s not easy. It’s hard. For some, it’s almost impossible. But it can happen, with patience and time, it can happen. 

Perspective is the answer. People with humility have perspective. They can see how they fit into the world around them. They realize everyone and everything on earth wasn’t put here solely to serve them. People with perspective understand they are part of something bigger than themselves at all times - it’s literally never about them. 

The irony of humility is that it’s viewed by society as a ‘soft’ term. We often consider those that live with humility as weak because they may not physically fight or get into verbal assaults with people. Of course, we know this isn’t true.

Those that live with humility are the ones that are actually in control of their lives. Everyone else is a puppet to another ego driven, prideful master. 

REAL TALK - Action Steps
In order to lead, humility isn’t a desired characteristic; it's a required trait. Sure there are people in leadership positions that lack humility, they’re bosses and tyrants - not leaders. Here are few ideas around gaining humility and the perspective necessary to be the best leader you can be.

• Thankful Journal 
  
  • Keep it simple - three things you are thankful for and why. One story from the day that is memorable, written like you would tell your grandkids about around the campfire or Christmas tree. 
    

• Keep Good Company
  
  • Be around humble people. We’re all human and are greatly influenced by the people we are around. You’ve probably heard the saying that goes something like ‘if you’re the smartest man in the room then you’re in the wrong room.’ Well, the same is true for humility. 
    

• Just Do It
  
  • Volunteer to help at a food pantry, take a shift helping out with daycare at your church, set aside time to help your daughter with her homework, just sit and listen to your son play his instrument. It’s all talk until you commit time to it. Your time is your most valuable commodity. If you want to show some you care about them, give them your time.
    

Our humility lies in our ability to see the world from another's perspective, then acknowledge and appreciate that perspective. The impact of your leadership will always be in proportion to your humility.

For more information on building excellence in your teams, visit us at www.bluecollargrit.com. 
We would love to know how we could help!

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