Any assessment or person who knows me will identify that I am assertive, persuasive, and expressive. I am driven by progress and adding value. Feedback is important to me whether I’m giving or receiving it, complimentary or constructive. If you ask me for my thoughts I will readily share them. While I will internalize some nervousness beforehand, I am comfortable presenting or facilitating. I laugh out loud — often quite robustly. I’ll even admit to occasionally having “moments” (aka rants). Hey, I’m a human being who sometimes needs to let things out to let them go. Perhaps you’re even wondering if I may also be a little overbearing — especially since I just went blah blah blah all about me. No, I don’t think so because a person can show-up like all this and be humble too.
“The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk.”
– Marcus Tullius Cicero
There’s a lot I don’t know and everything I have accomplished has required the support, contributions, and talents of other people — personally and professionally. If I make a mistake or a decision that goes sideways, you’ll know it because I will be the first to admit it and I will readily apologize or take accountability. I am highly driven by purpose, a purpose that looks far beyond me, a purpose that centers on igniting possibilities that will benefit those around me – at work and at home. I ask a lot of questions and love to “think out loud” with others, generating new ideas together. Listening to what is said and not said, is a skill that has developed over the years. And, I am in a continuous state of learning, perhaps most profoundly about myself. In fact, one of my biggest and most beneficial learnings was about the importance of holding space. Admittedly, it wasn’t until my daughters reached their teens that I finally learned how important this practice is, how much it impacts feelings, connection, and outcomes. Truly better late than never.
Being humble is about embracing differences — experiences, values, perspectives. Listening and empathy are at the core; they contribute to openness, understanding, and learning. A humble leader will give others credit for their contributions and achievements while owning the outcomes that didn’t go so well. As leaders, we must remember that life is a journey and our progress is largely attributed to the support received from others along the way – even through minor interactions we may not have even realized. The next time you sit down to dine, remember that a slice of ‘humble pie’ will always fill you – without packing on calories!
– Melissa Law
