The Art of Humility

Sometimes we all do what’s known as an empathic failure. Meaning we lose sight of the person before us and their feelings to accommodate our own agenda. Not our best moment.

An example being a staff member comes to you with sad news and you say a quick sorry and change the subject to an upcoming presentation the staff member is supposed to be working on. The presentation is on your mind. A good one will make you look great to your superior. But how do you look in the eyes of your staff member that just shared the news? Sometimes it’s easy to do if you’re not in the moment. Not fully present with the person before you.

What next?

You apologize. Not a half-hearted one either. Not an attempt to rationalize your behavior. A sincere, genuine, ‘I stood in your shoes and watched how I treated you’ apology. And then you listen and tend to your employee’s needs.

The art of humility is a great leader’s asset.