Humility

 

A Humble Spirit is the next quality that Brady and Woodward include in the Trilateral Leadership Ledger's factor of Character.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines humility as: the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; freedom from pride or arrogance.

In an earlier post (November 8, 2021) I discussed humility as it relates to leadership, so I will not repeat those points here.  Please refer to that post for thoughts on leadership and humility.

In his best selling book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states Humility is not thinking less of yourself.  Humility is thinking more of others.  Humble people are so focused on serving others, they don't think of themselves. (NOTE: this quote is often erroneously attributed to C.S. Lewis... click here for details). This is the hallmark of an effective leader: they are always thinking of others before themselves.  True humility includes a sincere heart for the welfare of others.  The leader's words and actions align into a message that is crystal clear to people... First and foremost, I care about you!

Chris Brady & Orrin Woodward: "Launching a Leadership Revolution."  Business Plus. New York. p.96 

Rick Warren: The Purpose Driven Life. Zondervan. Grand Rapids MI. p.148