ALT-1 Why Humility is a Good Thing when you Start a new Job
Starting a new job can be a stressful event for even the most resilient types. There are new people to meet, new processes to learn and a new corporate culture to learn. In such a situation humility is a very good trait to have and display and can go a long way toward making the transition into the new organization a lot easier.
Why is humility such a good trait to have when starting a new job? By being humble, a new person in the organization opens themselves up to learning from everyone. It is this early learning of the organization that focuses on people, processes and culture that allows a person to enjoy greater successes later in their tenure. For the entry level employee it sends a signal to co-workers that the person acknowledges that theirco-workers are more knowledgeable and experiencedthan they are and by displaying overconfidence or arrogance on the first day it can sour the working relationship for years.
For mid-level and senior personnel the importance of being humble is even greater. When a new manager lets a technical expert explain his or her job and shows interest, it sends a message that thetechnical expertise is valued and respected. Being polite and understanding to janitorial and secretarial staff on the first and all subsequent days shows an appreciation for the employees on the lowest rung of the corporate ladder and polite treatment of them will carry goodwill for the new manager throughout the company. By the same token, being short and arrogant with people at the lowest levels of the organization will also send a message throughout the company.
AsBill George, former CEO of Medtronics wrote in his book, Authentic Leadership, that when he took the focus off of him and put it on the people around him he was finally able to grow as a leader. It is this putting others first that makes people look up to leaders, even those who are not official leaders by title or position, and makes others willing to go the extra mile. People who are humble, those who show their own humility and who are willing to learn from others invoke a special trust in others and gain respect. When the person is new and is at or near the top of an organization and they take the time to speak with others, to listen to a front line worker and not merely give speeches, this also shows humility and regardless of whether it is the beginning of a career or the end of a career, it creates respect and of all the traits a leader has, respect is one that must be earned every day. Being humble and showing humility is one way to earn that respect and keep it.
Sources: Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value. George, Bill. Published by: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (August 1, 2003); ISBN 978-0787969134
