In a recent post on LINKEDIN, we introduced the MYTHtake of Humility. In the closing, we suggested that we would look at the practical application of humility as a strength of leadership. In our work with youth and communities over the years, we have found that truly working together requires the strength that is Humility.
That being said, I now and personally thought to tackle the arena of politics and governance.
PRIDE, PARTISANSHIP and POLITICS
I have not made it a secret that I view politics as inherently dysfunctional, with its built-in system of opposition and ambition for power. On the other hand, governance and democracy are not inherently so. Politics is the piece that is partisan and prideful. While I do admire and respect those who choose to serve in public life, I do not admire the arena that we have established for that service to be conducted. It is overtly competitive, resistant to cooperation and guided by the win-lose. It is the partisanship that sees ideologies more important than ideas; sides more important than united effort. Neither “side” is ready to admit mistakes for fear of being seen as weak. Weakness stirs the “smell of blood in the water”. Why would anyone admit such? So, all sides act as if they have the answers and have done nothing wrong. Indeed, pride goeth before the fall.
WHAT IF?
In times of trial and crisis, what would humility look like in those who have unintentionally brought us to the place of crisis? What would humility look like in terms of those prepared to work on getting us out? What would humility look like in the myriad constituencies and interest groups? What would humility look like in all the stakeholders? How might it advance problem solving? What if everyone concerned approached the process of finding solution, with humility? Imagine that. Reflect upon it.
THE STRENGTH of HUMILITY
Humility is not weakness. It stands in the face of pride to build bridges of cooperation and mutual sacrifice of personal agendas… to build a common solution for uncommon results. Some time back I wrote of the power and approach of a fully functioning family in times of crisis. It relates to how we might approach crises at school, work and community alike. Most notably, it speaks to the virtue of Humility and its role in advancing service to one another in getting us out of our times of challenge, locally and globally.
NAIVE or NOT?
Some would say it is naïve to believe Humility to be a virtue we could adopt in leadership. I say it is naïve to think we can afford not to adopt it. Undue pride has no interest but itself. It is analogous to cancer; willing to kill itself in the process. Humility is the antidote, the vaccine and the medicine. As leaders, we must needs practice it in order to forge strong and united cultures ready to solve and serve.
CONSIDER and ACT
So, I humbly suggest that you consider any small or large crisis facing your classroom, school, campus, company or community. Consider how a humble approach to problem solving might actually help solve the problem. Consider how it might build the bridges necessary to get you collectively out and through the crisis in question. Then, do that.
Peace, passion and prosperity…
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™
PS
Still, some songs on Humility…
PPS
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