Lesson 6: Humility (John Maxwell Leadership)

C.S. Lewis said that Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less”.

Humility focuses on Others.

People who accept correction are on the pathway to LIFE and pride is the opposite of humility.

Difference between Pride & Humility

4 Ways to grow in Humility

1. Admit you have weaknesses or you need improvements.

2. Be patient with the weaknesses of others.

3. Be open to correction (have a teachable spirit).

4. Put the SpotLight on others.

A humble person does not require constant approval or validation but rather looks to recognize the contributions of others. When we are humble, we are intent on listening and prefer to learn rather than to show how much we know.

Part of being humble is our willingness to admit when we are wrong. The most serious mistake we can make is to know we are wrong and not do anything to make it right or change it.

BENEFITS

1. You will be more persuasive. You will gain favor from others because you are without ego and desire their input.

2. You will be more productive. By recognizing the strengths of others, you will bring out the best in them and build a stronger team.

3. You will feel good about yourself. When you have a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses, you can feel comfortable with yourself.

4. You will gain opportunities for personal growth. You will recognize the areas you need to change and will be able to make the necessary corrections.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

• Do something nice for someone else this week. If you find that you are constantly thinking about yourself, make the effort to consider someone else. It’s hard to be obsessed with yourself when you are doing something good for another.

• Admit your mistakes quickly. Accept your responsibility and get back on track.

• Ask someone else to evaluate the changes you are making. It takes humility to ask another person to give an honest assessment of you. It takes a greater measure of humility to receive their response, consider the truth in their words, and then begin to apply their advice.

• Treat every person you meet with respect. Do not allow your degree of kindness or the way you serve other people to be affected by their title, position or what they could do for you.

• Listen MORE, talk less. When we are prideful, we care only about what we have to say. If we discipline ourselves to listen, we will realize how much we have to learn.