I was recently at a conference where the speaker opened with talking about the next generation leaders. But that’s not breaking news. Nor was it his big point.
It was humility.
His belief: “armed with enough humility, we can learn from anybody.” Businessmen can learn from non-profit CEOs; pastors can learn from government leaders…etc. (A beautiful sub-goal of this conference is to draw together people from different walks of life — whether those in business, government, religions, Americans, Brazilians — you get the point.)
At first, I thought it was a lofty goal, though as I reflect on it I can’t help but wonder: what’s stopping me from learning from anyone else, no matter how much our core values, backgrounds, or beliefs differ or are in opposition?
Imagine: leaders of all walks living that out. For the sake of leadership, bettering each other, strengthening countries, and healing humanity.
Imagine: being a leader means listening to others, rather than turning it into a political charade.
Imagine: being a leader means you let the other person talk first, rather than attempting to suck up all the time on the 2 minute tv debate. If we, as leaders, heard others and took into account their thoughts and feelings…instead of demonizing or belittling “them”.
That is humility.
Originally published at www.jeffreybeaumont.com.
Jeff Beaumont 