CAREERS & EDUCATION CAREER COACH
Five ways humility can help you get ahead in your career
W
How to increase your productivity and contribute to positive company culture
hen we think of traits that successful people typically exhibit, many come to mind – including technical prowess, communication and interpersonal skills, charisma, enthusiasm and vision. But one important factor is often overlooked: humility. Humility is derived from the Latin ‘humilitas’, meaning ‘from the earth’. Since ancient times, it has been considered a primary virtue, and rightly so. Humility is not only associated with work engagement, effective commitment and enhanced job performance, it also empowers the climate in the entire organization.
Here are five proven ways to mistakes you make or that your show humility at work, increase team made for whatever reason is a your productivity and contribute to sign of maturity and humility. positive company culture. The instant you become comfortable with admitting the Be open to feedback Accepting all kinds of feedback mistakes you’ve made, you can help including constructive or negative others feel fine with doing the same. feedback can help you grow in This leads to a more open work your role, enhance your skill set environment where everyone can and help you work better with feel supported by their teammates. others. A sure sign of humility is By showing a willingness to share accepting the feedback you’re given your own faults and demonstrating with appreciation and respect for how you dealt with and recovered the person providing it to you, from them, you earn your team’s irrespective of the source it came trust. from — a colleague, superior or a Ask others for help client. This also demonstrates that In a typical workplace with you take their feedback seriously. People like to work with humble multiple personalities, there are people who value their opinions usually varying perspectives on any rather than ignore or dismiss them. given day. It’s important that you recognize this and be willing to ask When you are humble, you are others for help with a task or project ready to take others’ input to ensure if the need arises. They may be able that you have all the facts and can to share ideas that can differ from your own. make the right decisions.
1
3
2
This also demonstrates As humans, we are prone to that you value their opinion and make mistakes. Acknowledging the appreciate the insights they offer.
Admit your mistakes
Humility is knowing that you may and a desire to continuously learn not have all the answers at all from others. times. A humble person acknowledges Actively listen to others that the thoughts and opinions of others are equally important as before commenting When you actively listen to others, their insights can eliminate many including your customers, your of the blind spots you may possess. co-workers and the management, Acknowledging your ignorance you’re letting everyone know that of the subject matter and seeking you genuinely recognize their feedback and asking questions opinion and are ready to hear their always pays off in the long run. point of view. In conclusion, there are many To demonstrate that you listen benefits of being humble in life. in a humble manner, maintain eye Especially in the workplace, it can contact, be expressive, open and lead to increased productivity, business success, higher satisfaction accommodating. and morale, increased loyalty Be open to asking questions and overall stronger professional Humble people acknowledge relationships. To quote Rick Warren, their limitations and strengths the author of The Purpose Driven and, at the same time, appreciate Life: “Humility is not thinking less others’ strengths and contributions. of yourself; it is thinking of yourself Without letting their ego get in the less. Humility is thinking more of way, they maintain an open mind others.”
4
5
Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening, The ACE Abundance and You Are HIRED! He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn how he can help unlock your magic at unleashyourwow.com. CANADIANIMMIGRANT.CA |
31
