Wisdom Of Humility

While concluding one of the brainstorming session with my manager in the States, where we were discussing the calculation for a performance metric, I asked - "What according to you lies at the heart of leadership?"

Since this man is an exceptionally amazing leader and a fantastic human, I couldn't prevent myself from asking this question.

And I was ready to gather all the wisdom around various kinds of leadership, and go over the famous 'not one value fits everywhere' track, etc.

"Humility", he said with a smile.

While that is essential, I was definitely not expecting such a crisp response. He stated that the most vital yet underrated ingredient in our respective definitions of leadership is being humble. And the next 20 minutes I spent understanding his style of leading.

What do you think is the most striking quality of that one person in your circle you find the most inspiring?

While the answers can be subjective, I am sure at the base of those qualities would be humility. In being humble, we can attract all the right people, opportunities, lessons that in turn makes our life even more rewarding.

I learnt that even as a leader, it is perfectly ok to say - 'I don't know', ' I want to learn' and 'I need your help'. Instead of promoting our individual glory, it is so much more satisfying to glorify the contributions of others around you.

While learning how to use artificial intelligence in our day to day lives is necessary, it is becoming even more vital to form richer connections with people around us. Discover their quirks, explore new ideas and new solutions to the problems we at times don't even know exist.

Humility gives us the capacity to remain grounded, and learn from and be transformed by the stories of the people around us. It makes life easier, as it brings into perspective the things that we can control and let go of things that we couldn't.

We can find a greater sense of fulfillment in our endeavors by shifting focus from achieving more to collaborate more. Being humble makes one open to change. It is not always the most experienced, but the one who is open to learn and most importantly, open to UNLEARN - get's the work done.
Life is like a brainstorming session, where we are all called to step up, open up and cause a ripple effect.

Humility is the GPS that helps navigating through changing circumstances.

It is rightly said by Adam Grant - "It takes humility to rethink your views in the face of disapproval."