— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu above. —
“DON’T FORGET YOUR ROOTS.” Such goes the injunction to stay humble. As a mere .22 rifle, I was continually reminded of my limited status among much more powerful rifles. I didn’t have much for braggin’ rights. Realizing that was probably good for me. I kept my place and did what I did best. And I shut up about it too.
You might have heard about that big-time leadership researcher and writer, Jim Collins. He said level five business leaders were the best and what marked them were courage and humility. Yes, sir, right there is humility. Fancy that. But bear in mind, it’s not a lack of confidence, it’s not inferior competence, and it’s not diminished character. No. It’s perspective that oneself is not all that hot and can too easily get in over one’s head, and that there are others better than oneself at many things. And it’s having the attitude of service—to serve rather than to be served. You see, humility keeps one grounded. Good roots.