Practicing Humbleness

My greatest weakness is my poor track record of practicing humbleness. Balancing humility with assertiveness in professional life is essential for effective leadership and personal growth. It is critical to being an expert. So here are the things I remind myself of and practice as part of my mindfulness.

Acknowledge your limitations and knowledge gaps

• Be open about areas where you still have more to learn
• Admit when you don’t know something or are uncertain
• Recognize that expertise in one area doesn’t make you an expert in everything

Remain open to learning from others

• Listen attentively to different perspectives and ideas
• Be willing to change your views based on new information
• Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge

Give credit to others

• Recognize the contributions and insights of colleagues and mentors
• Share credit for successes and accomplishments
• Use “we” instead of “I” when discussing team achievements

Practice gratitude

• Express appreciation for opportunities you’ve had to develop expertise
• Thank those who have supported your growth and learning
• Be grateful for chances to share your knowledge with others

Stay curious and ask questions

• Maintain a learner’s mindset, even as an expert
• Ask thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding
• Be open to new ideas and approaches in your field

Focus on serving others with your expertise

• Use your knowledge to help and empower others
• Prioritize making a positive impact over personal recognition
• Share your expertise generously without expectation of reward

Reflect on your journey and growth

• Remember the challenges you faced in developing your expertise
• Consider how much more there is still to learn in your field
• Appreciate the ongoing nature of learning and development

Accept and learn from criticism and feedback

• Be open to constructive criticism of your work
• Use feedback as an opportunity for improvement
• Avoid becoming defensive when your ideas are challenged

By consistently practicing these behaviors, we can maintain humility while confidently sharing our expertise. This approach allows us to continue growing professionally while fostering positive relationships and respect from colleagues and peers.