During this tragic but unique time in our history, we have time to rethink leadership values. And as we reopen our country, we can acknowledge that some worksite behaviors need to be reinvigorated.

Which got me to thinking about the resurgence of humility.

In a landmark report from Harvard Business Review, it was stated that, “A sense of humility is essential to leadership because it authenticates a person’s humanity. We humans are frail creatures; we have our faults. Recognizing what we do well, as well as what we do not do so well, is vital to self-awareness and paramount to humility.” 

Echoing that thought in his book Grace: A Leaders Guide to a Better Us, international educator and executive John Baldoni wrote, “When people act humbly, they are acknowledging their limitations and accepting that they cannot go it alone. This mindset is valuable to a team because it serves as an invitation for others to help.”

If ever there was a time and an opportunity to abandon the “me first, do it myself mentality” and embrace the “we are all in this together” mantra, it’s NOW!

And it all starts with humility.

But be forewarned: humility does not equal being rigidly ethical as many companies advocate.

The Difference between Ethics and Humility

We all seem to love the ethical woman or man we meet in the workplace. They are honest, transparent and do not cheat or break the rules. These are admirable qualities but we have met many an ethical person who does not come across as humble but righteous and arrogant about taking the “high road.” Being ethical does not always equate with humility.

According to Webster dictionary, the definition of ethical is:

1. involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval  - ethical judgments

2. conforming to accepted standards of conduct  is ethical behavior

I call this practice the  “letter of the law” principle.  We know leaders who take pride in their commitment to following standards of behavior that often are “lofty and aspirational.” In many cases, this is a good thing.  To create a line in the sand around accepted standards. But it can also show inflexibility and harsh rigidity. 

These bosses may see themselves as the “banner-waving champion” intolerant of any circumstances that don’t adhere to the ethical standards and policies that they themselves have created for the organization. And woe to those that challenge these standards.

 This is the boss who is scrupulous about fairness in scheduling as the right and ethical thing to do -- but doesn’t allow for the single parent to have some flexibility around work hours. Or the boss who manages a diverse workforce and mandates that everyone adhere to certain values without taking into account cultural competency considerations.

On the other hand, humility and its accompanying value of servant leadership, means to open the heart and be empathetic to the individual situation.

• A humble leader is one who listens, seeks to understand and is open to learning from others in the workplace. 

• A humble leader does not blindly promote allegiance to certain “ethical” practices without showing empathy for circumstances. 

• A humble leader does not act as judge and jury to determine an individual worker’s compliance with company morals as outlined in rigid policies.

• A humble leader does not reflect a “holier than thou” attitude that is patronizing and condescending.

So beware the leader who touts the organization as a very ethical place bound by high ethical standards. Dig deep! Conscientious leaders show their ethical compass with quiet behaviors revealing there is humility and soul in the company, not just ethics.

Let’s honor and remember this as we reinvent the workplace environment in the coming weeks and months. It’s time!

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~