welcome back.

the last few posts have been focused on a concept that has been emerging from my work the last few years: RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP.

last time, we examined a key attribute of relational leaders: AUTHENTICITY.

this time, we highlight another key attribute: HUMILITY.

humility

humility is not denying your strengths, humility is being honest about your weaknesses. – rick warren

humility is often misunderstood.

it’s not about putting yourself down or lacking confidence.

instead, it’s about having a realistic and modest view of yourself, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses without arrogance or pride.

now, in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and ego, humility isn’t always easy.

it can be tempting to prioritize your own interests above others, not to mention, admitting your faults and vulnerabilities can feel uncomfortable and challenging.

challenging for men in particular, as the waters of “masculinity” persistently discourage “weakness” and “vulnerability”; often creating an unseen barrier to humility.

personal growth and leadership

when you acknowledge your limitations and mistakes, you become more receptive to feedback and opportunities for improvement.

a humble orientation of continuous learning and self-reflection allows you to evolve and become a better version of yourself.

in relationships, when you approach others with humility, you’re more open to learning from them and valuing their perspectives.

humility creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, laying the groundwork for relational leadership.

so, how can you cultivate humility in your life?

1. practice gratitude: taking time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for can help keep your ego in check.
2. seek feedback: actively seek out feedback from others – be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth.
3. embrace failure: instead of viewing failure as a reflection of your worth, see it as a chance to learn and grow.
4. serve others: helping others in need can be a powerful way to cultivate humility. by putting the needs of others before your own, you gain perspective and appreciation for the struggles of others.
5. practice empathy: put yourself in others’ shoes and strive to understand their perspectives and experiences (more on this next week).

ACTION ITEM: this week, commit to one of the strategies listed above

create a SMART goal.

what barriers might you face?

what resources can you apply to overcome the barriers?

how will you celebrate?

by embracing humility in our lives, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world, where genuine connections flourish, and personal growth is celebrated.

one humble step at a time,

donald