Humility: 10 Simple Ways to Quiet Arrogance in Yourself and in Others
Arrogance produces poverty of spirit.
Humility enables you to become your best self.
Comparison and contrast
Humility says:
You have room to grow.
Others have untapped genius.
The world goes on with or without you.
You are a wisp of air in the story of time.
Arrogance says:
Everything revolves around you.
You are indispensable.
Others need to change.
You have arrived.
Humility: 10 simple ways to quiet arrogance
#1. Reflect on the staggering regularity of the evening sky.
#2. Acknowledge that animals do things you can’t.
- Fleas jump 50 to 100 times their body length. You could jump over a 50 story building if you could jump like a flea.
- Dung beetles push the human equivalent of an 80 ton poop ball.
- Emperor penguins dive over 1,000 feet in freezing water.
- Great white sharks sense blood in the water three miles away.
- Star fish regenerate body parts.
- Birds fly.
- Fish breathe water.
Beauty is humbling.
We don’t aspire to become animals, fish, or bugs, but they are remarkable.
#3. Notice sameness.
You’re not special. Everyone on earth is fundamentally the same. Commonality quiets arrogance.
#4. Know you don’t know.
Things you don’t know exceed things you know.
Everything you know began with someone else.
#5. Admit you depend on others.
Independence is a destructive myth propagated by arrogance.
#6. Embrace frailty.
Small changes in temperature, air pressure, or air quality cause death.
#7. Seek corrective feedback.
#8. Notice others.
Focus outward.
Honor people’s achievements. Express gratitude. Show appreciation.
#9. Practice a new skill.
Being a novice quiets arrogance and increases humility.
#10. Be firm with grace and kindness.
Arrogance blusters.
Humility is tough and tender at the same time.
10 advantages of humility
- Human connection.
- Self-knowledge.
- Grounded confidence.
- Openness.
- Wonder.
- Learning.
- Kindness.
- Broad perspectives.
- Generosity.
- Forgiveness.
Everything good in leadership begins with humility.
How are you quieting arrogance?
Be honest with myself and others. Admit I don’t know. Don’t try to fake it.
Simple and useful, Paul. I’m thankful you consistently add value with your comments.
I was once given the feedback that my competence in so many skills necessary for our work can be intimidating for a new person. They think “I could NEVER know as much as Jennifer does.” I now make a point of reminding new hires that I was in their shoes 20+ years ago and that in a year or two, they will be well on their way.
I also make a point of unpacking. I walk through my thought process. And — very important in government — explain all the TLAs (three-letter acronyms).
Thanks Jennifer. Empathy strengthens people. Congratulations on remembering to share the process. It feels time consuming but it’s worth it when people want to learn.
TY once again for addressing the war of arrogance within and without head on–and employing the “weapon” of humility to fight and overcome it!!!!!
Thanks for jumping in today. This is one of my favorite topics. I’m delighted you find this useful.
My parents weren’t perfect or on the same page, but they both taught us from early on that we were no better than anyone else, but no one was any better than us either and to always hold our heads up. We’re all special, so truly, no one is special. It is humbling and helps me choose my mental battles wisely.
Thanks for sharing your insight, Sharon. We’re not better than and we’re not less than. But, when it comes to skills and talents there is a difference between people.
As always, a spot-on reflection for today! Thanks, Dan!
My pleasure, Amy. Cheers