How to Never Waste a Good Crisis
Leaders are developing a healthy case of humility during COVID-19. Frankly, it’s a good thing because lousy leadership is rooted in ego.
Success followed by admiration tests character.
An ancient Jewish proverb puts it this way, “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.”
The beauty of disruption is the rediscovery of humility.
Disruption exposes the power of humility and the folly of arrogance.
Where are the cocky leaders? They can’t tout their accomplishments and spout easy answers today. If they’re smart, they’ve shut their arrogant mouths.
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.” Thomas Merton
Practice humility:
#1. Call someone and thank them for their service to others. (Not their service to you.)
#2. Stand in front of your team and complete one of these sentences:
- I used to think …. Now I’m learning…. (Avoid saying, “I’ve learned.” It’s too final.)
- I’m learning …. (If you aren’t learning you know you have a problem.)
- I was wrong….
- Mary taught me …. (Name someone on the team and explain something you’re learning from them.)
#3. Make a list of the shoulders you stand on.
Include the people who unintentionally helped you. A backstabber who taught you to persist when you felt underappreciated, for example.
#4. Make a list of things you suck at.
A painful reality check might get your feet back on the ground.
Humility uses weakness as motivation to partner with others, not as an excuse to reach lower.
#5. Take responsibility. Responsibility, during disruption, is humbling.
Arrogance propagates itself by resisting humility.
Someone tried to humble me, but ego pushed them away. The only person who can humble me is me.
“Never waste a good crisis.” Wolstenholme
What expressions of humility seem most relevant during disruption?
How might leaders develop humility without being arrogant about it?
Bonus:
How Humility will Make you the Greatest Person Ever (Berkley)
6 Ways Humility can Make you a Better Leader (FastCompany)
Tools to lead through disruption with confidence!
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ACT (and speak) in service to others,
w/o expectation (of praise, reward or advantage),
where you ARE;
right here, right now,
with those you are with.
Leading in considerate service is the best example;
get others to do the same and
IT becomes infectious.
Thanks Rurbane. There are negative contagions and positive. The power of positive influence is one assumption of leadership that rises above power and coercion.
Dan, thank you for these important tips – we meet in small groups tomorrow to give an update and clarity for the next five days — planning to talk to my speech writer about some changes, wait – I do not have a speech writer – blessings my friend
LOL, thanks Scott. It’s a pleasure being on the journey with someone committed to learning while leading.
Nelson Mandela – Ubuntu: I am because of you.” I live with a clear understanding that if I am successful, it is not because of an individual but a collective effort of others.
I appreciate you shining a light on the importance of humility. It is something that we need to keep in the center of our journey. How can people not be changed with the current pandemic? This is a very humbling experience and potentially traumatic experience for people right now – There are environments, like war and combat, that we know there will be fallen angels. I fear that this humbling experience will be much more than that for those on the frontlines. Some may never be changed by this experience while others will be impacted for the rest of their lives.
We can begin by recognizing that someone may have a more challenging day than us or seek an opportunity to help someone struggling as fast as you can, not as a self-promoting opportunity but a genuine effort of humanity.
Thanks Kishla. Your insights remind us to look outside ourselves. Thinking mostly of ourselves is arrogant. Thinking mostly of others is the essence of humility.
Someone said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
It also seems appropriate to err on the side of being interested in others instead of thinking that they will work it out on their own.
When situation is beyond human intervention, a humble leader take the unexpected and beyond the reach decision. Humality is the real weapon a humble leader carry with him. He never shy to learn and unlearn the new things and discard which is not in sync with the people’s benefit.
thanks Rajesh. It’s the unlearning that I find most difficult, especially when I’ve invested time and energy into something that I need to let go.
I had a lesson in humility a few days ago. I reported some numbers that I believed to be accurate. I was questioned about it and I confirmed the numbers. A day later, I discovered that I had, in fact, read my instrument in the incorrect mode. I was absolutely mortified as panic surely set in. Then I remembered my training. Mistakes can be easily made in complex procedures. If a mistake is made, acknowledge it, own it, correct it promptly (with humility) and move on. As a learning leader, I had no choice but to lead by example and execute. Much to my surprise, my mistake was not brought up in our weekly meeting. We moved on as a team. I don’t usually make rookie mistakes like that, so it was my first time experiencing it and definitely humbling!
I needed this blog today. For about two weeks my husband and I have been trying to problem solve and adapt our business plan to avoid closure of our small business during Covid-19. We are working hard at problem solving instead of whining and throwing in the towel or quit. Our goal is to use this crisis as a way to make our business and relationships with others stronger. Our goal is to not waste this crisis!
“I believe that the first test of a great man is his humility. … But really great men have a curious feeling that the greatness is not of them, but through them. And they see something divine in every other man and are endlessly, foolishly, incredibly merciful.” John Ruskin
Wonderful collection of words straight to the soul of the matter. Thanks.
Times of crisis and peril are where a leader can truly distinguish themselves and show their true leadership capabilities.
Hey Dan! In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are learning more than ever that maintaining relationships and human connections are extremely important. Since the start of this pandemic, I have learned the importance of extending grace to myself and others. Some of my colleagues and friends are trying to manage all of their pressing obligations of homeschooling and working remotely. In a professional sense, I think it is important to recognize that everyone’s workflow has shifted. Therefore, it is important to remain accommodating and open to supporting colleagues as needed. It is also necessary to reassure others as they practice humility and take ownership of delayed email responses, missed deadlines, etc. This time has encouraged many, including myself, to actively incorporate personal expression into the professional work setting. For example, I have been starting my work check-in calls with simply asking “How are you feeling? Where is your mind at right now?” I think it is important to hold space for others to feel and process when needed. Hopefully, through creating more judgment-free and open spaces within the workplace setting, individuals will feel encouraged to actively practice humility with their teammates. I think this is a great way to build human connections with colleagues. The crisis has forced many to slow down and become more intentional. I agree that we must not waste this time, but instead use this period as a moment to evolve. With all the various tragedies related to this pandemic, practicing humility is a great way to feel grounding. As leaders, it is important to remind ourselves that we are not the greatest at everything and take time to appreciate the people and experiences that have helped us grow. I appreciate that your post highlights these nuances during this time. Through all the self-reflection that I have been granted from staying inside all day, I have learned the pivotal role that others have had in my evolution. I agree that explicitly thanking others for their contributions in your life is very important. Your post has encouraged me to list my growth areas and use this time to improve.
Hi Dan,
“The beauty of disruption is the rediscovery of humility”—what a beautiful quote! It’s the classic “always remember where you came from” and “know your roots” mentality. What I especially appreciate about humility is that it shows you have perspective. Arrogance is the ultimately form of lacking perspective. It is all about the ego, “all about me”. You become so self-absorbed in your own world that you forget the life that exists outside that bubble of “you”. Humility counters that. Humility shows you recognize the world experiences life in a range of ways, many times less fortunate that yours. Plenty of celebrities and notable figures came from humble beginnings and make it known they wear their struggles on their sleeve as a daily reminder to always stay humble. For other celebrities and notable figures it can be particularly difficult for people to connect or relate to them because some grew up with opportunities and were essentially born into fame or at the very least, a more than comfortable standard of living. Unless this group genuinely engages with the communities that resemble your roots, it can pose an issue with connecting to the intended audience if their background differs significantly from theirs. A crisis, especially one such as this, really has a way of taking you off your high horse and bringing you back to earth. You are reminded of what is truly important in life. You focus on the present and practice truly “being” present. You are also inspired to self-reflect, pick up new hobbies, and re-connect with the ones in your household. Not everyone has the privilege to stay at home, be with loved ones, or connect internally with themselves, and exercising your humility, especially by sending warm gratitude to the folks that are contributing to your safety and your privilege, is a way to practice compassion even from afar.
It’s better to be humble than to be humbled, so I spend a lot of time reflecting on the reality that I don’t know everything. I’m okay with that because I’ve been much more content in life since I stopped trying to prove that I know everything. Earlier in life, I confused humility with being stupid. I was insecure about things that I didn’t know, but thankfully I realized that I don’t have to know everything to be successful. In fact, I began thriving in relationships when I started spending more time recognizing the strengths in others than trying to convince anyone of my own.
I believe that when we acknowledge someone else’s strengths, we add value to them, and that’s awesome for everyone. Good leaders benefit from building teams of people with varying strengths because their work environments are conducive to learning, growing, and respecting differences. That leads to better relationships and employees who are more invested in the work they do.
I’m keenly aware of my strengths and weaknesses, but I’m not insecure about them anymore. Instead, I place value on the strengths of others and spend time feeling grateful instead of envious, and every area of my life has improved as a result.