By Amitesh Banerjee
Progress is a continuous process, but when knowledge and experience make you arrogant, it creates dissonance and repels others.
With the post millennial Z generation especially, arrogance just does not work. And who do you lead if you do not have any followers? According to research “the Generation Z are generally characterized as pragmatic, socially conscious, and anxious, with a strong focus on diversity and career stability”. And why does this generation matter? Because, these Zoomers born between 1997 and 2012 are our emerging consumers and human capital. They grew up with complete access to our leap frogging digital technology but also in the VUCA world environment which has volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
Developing a Humble Mindset, really sets you apart from other leaders. This mindset makes you what you are from your actions and behaviour, rather than your attitude of arrogance inspired by your know-it-all demeanour. This does not mean that you become meek or place yourself as a doormat. Have you ever heard of the approach “Be polite but firm?”. Its all about putting your knowledge and talent to its best use by leading shoulder to shoulder in your professionally, community and virtually anywhere!
Here are some simple steps to ignite the ‘Humble Mindset’ in yourself.
Let your Lamborghini make its own noise
Stop monopolising conversations and discussions, create a positive environment which nurtures the freedom to express and contribute.
Simply speaking, let your actions speak louder than words. Practice active listening, focus on what others say. Do not listen to reply but listen to understand. Narcissists never have genuine relationship as their focus is always on what they say and feel. Not an ounce of humility ever in them, so they continue to stay with their best friends- me, myself and I. Rather shift your life’s focus from just yourself to others. Help them grow and succeed. In evolving to the Humble Mindset effectively there is one essential part in you, which you must leave far behind and that is your ego.
Adopt the principle of Confident Humility
Wharton Executive Education defines Confident Humility as “being secure enough in your expertise and strengths to admit your ignorance and weaknesses”
It further adds that “confidence without humility breeds blind arrogance, and humility without confidence yields debilitating doubt. Confident humility allows you to believe in yourself while questioning your strategies”. A Humble Mindset prompts you to create a learning culture, where everyone learns from the latest trends and emerging techniques. Also, from each other. Question your own knowledge. What you knew yesterday often becomes obsolete today, as the pace of change in today’s world has become rapid. Just the first step to learn is a giant step to develop your confident humility.
Adopt a Humble Mindset for sustained growth
Stop becoming the expert and teacher, except with your clients!
According to my research “Humble people acknowledge they do not know everything, which keeps them open to new ideas, skills, and perspectives. They treat everyone they meet as a teacher.” Be a pioneer in accepting suggestions made by others, accept that inclusivity is a winning management principle. This begins by accepting your own role in life as a catalyst of positive change. Dictatorship is long outdated in management and even the world today. Your team will value you much more if you trust the process and purpose more than what you think should be done. Give credit instead of claiming success to be because of you or your efforts. Practice gratitude.
Humility is a sign of quiet strength
Domination and noise create negative disruption. The Humble Mindset creates quiet strength and solid foundations. Respect others, before imposing yourself. According to management expert John Shufeldt “Humble and confident people are self-assured. They have faith in their own abilities. They don’t need acclaim or constant reassurance from others to feel whole. There is no need for them to boast or brag.”
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”
CS Lewis
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