Oh Lord it’s Hard to Be Humble
You never fully become a leader.
You can achieve goals, but humility is always pursued.
Illusive:
All character qualities are illusive. Courage, restraint, and love have new expressions in new circumstances. One day’s success is, at best, another days platform.
Humility of all character qualities is most illusive. Mac Davis mockingly sang, “Oh Lord it’s Hard to be Humble.”
Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble
when you’re perfect in every way.
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
cause I get better looking each day.
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man.
Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble
but I’m doing the best that I can.
Constant pursuit:
Leaders who pursue humility are always just beginning, regardless of their attainment.
Arrogance arrives. Humility is pursuit.
How to be humble:
#1. Show up to serve.
Answer arrogance with service.
- Think about what you’re giving more than what you’re getting.
- Walk through every door ready to serve others.
- Live beyond yourself. Don’t neglect yourself. Service expands leadership.
Self-interest is normal. Other-interest is the beginning of extraordinary.
All acts of leadership are service:
- Begin every conversation by whispering in your own ear, “How might I serve?”
- Lead every meeting with an attitude of service.
- Face every challenge by asking, “How may I bring value?”
- Address every tough conversation prepared to pour into others.
#2 Enable others to outshine you.
You aren’t leading when you steal the spotlight.
- Celebrate the strengths of others.
- Provide opportunities for others to shine.
- Pour into others until they outperform you.
The real test of humility is pouring yourself into someone and having them outperform you.
What answers your inclinations toward arrogance?
Thanks Dan. A good friend of mine puts it nicely. Arrogance is misplaced confidence. Elevating others and serving them is an act of humility, and I might add, it takes a pretty strong person to do so.
Thanks Dave. Fascinating idea that arrogance is misplaced confidence. It makes me think that humility is learning to place confidence in others (assuming they are prepared and able).
I find the strength to act with humility is often the strength to withhold taking action so that others can step up.
Best wishes.
Perfect post. Perfect timing. Perfect words. Just the affirmation I needed… Thank you.
Thanks Pzenczak. It’s always a pleasure to be of service.
Cheers
Dan, The rest of the song goes “when your perfect in every way”! Since we are not perfect in every way, its good to realize our faults. Arrogance tends to lead me away from people and humility is the quality I tend to side with, leaves me in a more servant state of mind.
Sorry Dan, looks like i scrolled to fast and missed the song, “My bad”! OOPS One of my old time favorites when I was younger!
Dan, Wonderful post.. Idea of serving is most wonderful and takes lot of courage.. I truly admire your insights and finding each post wonderful to take my leadership journey a step ahead.. Love you.