I believe author C.S. Lewis helps us define that elusive but attractive character quality of humility by telling us what it isn’t.

There is a misconception among some that humility is thinking of oneself as of lesser worth than others.

I enjoy C.S. Lewis’ twisting of the words to make his point that humility is actually more about thinking of/about yourself less. Please notice that he didn’t say “Thinking of yourself not at all.”  Just less.

For most of us that means thinking less than 99.9% of the time about our own needs, wants, and goals and rather helping others achieve their needs, wants, and goals too.

It has been my experience that people willingly and enthusiastically follow those leaders who exhibit humility as defined in this poster.

See the entry on Confident Humility for more on this subject.

Categories: Ego, Empathy