Give yourself some practice in humility
Posted on July 08, 2025 by Cindy Mao, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Personal growth advice: Give yourself some practice in humility
Give yourself some practice in humility
Cindy Mao
April 29, 2025
My dear friends,
The concept of “humility” has been on my mind for many years, and recently, there have been three triggers that prompted me to write it down and share it with you. The first was my exposure to a university in Ontario called Algoma University, which has embraced the Seven Grandfather Teachings, including humility. The second trigger was from Pope Francis, and the third was last night’s victory speech by Mark Carney. Maybe these are all synchronicities, but it feels like the right moment.
Humility is a concept that has been cherished across cultures and centuries. From ancient wisdom to modern leadership, humility has proven to be a cornerstone of personal growth and strong, meaningful relationships. However, embracing humility can be a tricky balance, as the very qualities that make it so “powerful” can sometimes be misunderstood as “weakness”.
First and foremost, humility fosters a positive environment. When we approach others with a humble attitude, we create a space where everyone feels valued and respected. This not only makes it easier to influence and inspire others but also builds a foundation of trust and cooperation. People are naturally drawn to those who are humble because it shows genuine respect and empathy, which builds stronger, more authentic relationships. By being humble, we create an atmosphere that leads to more meaningful connections.
Another key aspect of humility is that it opens us up to ourselves’ continuous learning. When we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, we ourselves become more open to feedback and new perspectives. Therefore this mindset enhances our decision-making and adaptability. A humble approach leads us to willing to change course when necessary. This adaptability is crucial in navigating challenges and finding innovative solutions.
This personal realization became even more profound when I recently moved to a new province, a new city, and started a new job. I had no choice but to practice humility to learn and adapt. The frequent phrases I found myself using were, “Please teach me”, “Please help me to understand", "You are amazing! " Over time, this became a natural part of who I am, and it’s a mindset I carry with me as I enter new communities. While these are effective, please follow your own style and use your own phrases. You will find that anything originated from yourself will match your personality and stay with you longer and easier.
As a side note, speaking of “Please teach me,” it reminds me of something I’ve always reflected on. Confucius once said, “When three people pass by me, one of them can be my teacher.” I’ve always felt inspired to take it one step further: I believe every single person who passes by me has something to teach me. If I ever have the chance to meet Confucius, that’s the idea I’d love to chat with him about. Ha ha ha…
Laozi, another ancient Chinese philosopher, placed immense importance on humility. He taught that humility aligns us with the natural flow, encouraging us to act without forcing outcomes. Laozi often used metaphors like water to illustrate humility. Water is humble, always seeking the lowest places, yet it is also incredibly powerful and transformative. This teaches that true strength comes from being humble and adaptable.
Another Laozi’s practical teachings on humility is to engage with others at their level, including physical level: If someone is standing, stand with them; if someone is sitting, sit with them. This simple practice fosters equality and mutual respect, breaking down barriers and building genuine connections. I try this often and it does work!
On the other end, practicing humility isn’t without its risks. In our modern world that often prizes assertiveness and self-promotion, humility can sometimes be mistaken for weakness. Emphasizing humility might be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence or decisiveness, potentially undermining authority or leadership credibility. A culture of humility might lead to overemphasis on consensus and inclusivity, which can slow down decision-making and implementation. Also, by focusing on humility, there’s a risk that accomplishments and successes might not be adequately celebrated or communicated, potentially affecting motivation. This delicate balance requires careful management to ensure that humility is seen for what it truly is, a strength that fosters growth, collaboration, and lasting success.
In short, humility is a powerful and timeless concept. It builds positive environments, encourages our learning and growth, strengthens relationships, and enhances decision-making. While it may sometimes be perceived as a weakness, true humility is a mark of strength and wisdom, as taught by thinkers over two thousand years ago. There is no better time than right now to give yourself some practice in humility!
Thank you!!
Cindy
