5 Questions That Unleash Humility
Humility takes you further than arrogance.
If you were half as talented as you believe, you’d be twice as successful as you are.
Humility shows up as curiosity.
5 Questions That Unleash Humility
#1. Who lifted you?
Make a list of everyone who helped you get here. What did they do? How are you better because of them? How have you honored them?
Call someone today to say thank you.
#2. What are you learning?
If knowing were enough, you’d be a genius. Humble leaders rely on what they can learn.
Name one thing you’re learning.
#3. How might you be wrong?
People who make up their minds quickly believe they’re right. They shift from exploring to defending.
Don’t seek “the” way. Seek another way.
List two alternative interpretations.
#4. What if others are simply going along?
Teams rarely challenge leaders to their face. They don’t want to look stupid. They want to please you because it serves them.
Don’t ask for a nod. Invite a nudge. Ask, “What are some other ways to look at this?”
#5. What could you do differently?
Efficiency is a trap. In a turbulent world, what worked yesterday won’t work tomorrow.
Ask your team what you could do differently.
Bonus: Who can you lift today?
Humility turns outward.
Express confidence in others:
- What would you do?
- What do you think?
- I trust your judgment.
Give one person more responsibility today.
Which question is most relevant to you today?
Curiosity – Remarkable Practices, Unexpected Benefits
A shift in mindset: Humility, curiosity and compassion
“Ask your team what you could do differently.” was the question that struck me
as indicating both genuine humility of leader and recognition that the title must also be part of recognizing and nurturing ideas of others that may and often are better than what we have begun.
Efficiency is a trap…… I am going to let that marinate all day today. I think you could write a whole blog on that.
Great Post! Going to use it with my students in class this week as they embark on their careers as teachers! Thanks as always for your insights!
If a CEO is always telling his team that everything is great without listening to them or checking the data, he, she and the business are destined for failure. And if the members of the leadership team are afraid to challenge the CEO because they don’t want to look stupid or be seen as disloyal are actually doing him, her and the business a disservice.
Truly great post! I join other voices: always grateful for your insights!