Walking Humbly

Leadership and humility seem quite disconnected in the current economic and political climate. To hear our nation’s leaders speak there is little doubt that Washington has the answers to whatever crisis we are facing, real or imagined. Many of our country’s top business leaders have spurned all sense of accountability through actions that can only be described as arrogant. Is it any wonder that consumer confidence is shaken?

Most of us are quite adept at convincing ourselves of our own self-importance. Perhaps it is the many messages we have received over the years from parents, teachers, and others about how special we are that has influenced our thinking. It might be all the times that we have been told it’s not our fault when our performance has been less than stellar. It could be all those self-help books that convince us we can do and be anything we want. Maybe it’s just plain old selfishness, a sin that has plagued humankind since the world began.

If you have ever been confronted with the brutal realities of total, abject failure or disappointment you understand humility. Standing before God and your family or friends stripped of self-respect is to know how insignificant we really are. I’m not suggesting that when we get to this point we aren’t loved. In fact, it is at this lowest level when we are finally ready to receive unconditional love.

Humility isn’t a sign of weakness. Leaders would do well to learn this truth. When we act in a spirit of submission or deference, when we actively put the needs and concerns of others before our own, we are being humble. There is no room for pride or a self-serving attitude in the leader who seeks humility. Instead apologies are offered when mistakes are made or when decisions were driven by selfish motives. There is a vulnerability that acknowledges when the leader doesn’t have an answer or needs help.

What would happen in the halls of Washington or the boardrooms of America if leaders humbled themselves before God and the people they are there to serve? Would we notice a different approach to solving our most pressing problems? Might our citizens be inspired to get involved and create imaginative solutions? Would we be forced to face the truth about our own arrogance and insensitivities to the needs of others?

Many of the people I work with as clients and colleagues are quietly doing the right things everyday without any recognition or fanfare. They understand the innate strength of a humble spirit and a heart that is filled with love and service for others. Their faith and trust is in a Higher Power far greater than our existing political and economic systems. They pray daily for wisdom and courage to see where they can make a difference.

It will be these persons who lead us out of whatever crisis we are in, not the suits in Washington or on Wall Street. In fact, most of them would do well to eat a heavy diet of humble pie in the months ahead.