Let's Get Over Ourselves

Stephen Covey writes: “It has been said that some people think they can push themselves forward by patting themselves on the back. But boasting merely amplifies the ego.”

The minute we start taking ourselves too seriously is the time that others won’t. Be certain that the work we’re doing can be done by someone else … and probably for less money. That doesn’t mean we can’t be confident; a universal trait of all winners must be confidence. The belief in yourself can build courage and you are more apt to take on new challenges if your self-esteem is high.

But when we hear a phrase like “it's my golf course” it could show a lack of many things: humility, respect, confidence and gratitude among many others. Someone else most likely owns the property you work and if you forget that, the owners won’t. If we believe that we’re the smartest in the crowd, our minds will be closed to new ideas and the insights of others. Humility can be the first step in empowering others to take initiative in problem solving and humility shows enormous confidence.

If we take credit for the work of others and attempt to take all the glory it shows everyone else that our needs are more important than theirs. It can be hard to define humility but I would guess we know it when we hear it.

So check your ego at the door and let someone else carry the trophy.

“Truly great men and women are never terrifying. Their humility puts you at ease. - Elizabeth Goudge