Staying Humble in the Face of Success
No matter what industry you work in, we have all witnessed the dangers that success can have on professional careers: as individuals ascend the ladder of their organizations, they often find it difficult to remain humble. Although this effect is not unique to any one form of business, the signs tend to look the same: it begins with an inflated ego and an unrealistic perception of self. When we lose connection with ourselves, we forego our humility in the process. Individuals start to view themselves as inherently superior to others, losing touch with the centered versions of themselves that precipitated their rise.
Success especially becomes an issue when it limits individuals’ exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives. When this happens, people can no longer empathize with the struggles and challenges others face; as this fundamental human connection goes, so does humility. As a result, individuals climbing the ladder of success can find it increasingly difficult to relate to those who are still striving to reach their own goals. Another factor that causes people to lose their humility is the
reduction in critical feedback and constructive criticism that often accompanies success. Without external accountability and feedback mechanisms, individuals may struggle to identify their weaknesses and areas for improvement, which impedes self-awareness and personal growth.
Moreover, when success arrives at a rapid rate, it can distance individuals from their roots and values—not to mention their support networks. The problem here is that a person’s beginnings are often where they build the grounding connections that keep them humble. When individuals are aware of their roots, they are instilled with gratitude and a broader perspective on life, both of which are essential qualities for the formation and sustainment of humility.
There is an important caveat to this conversation: humble demeanors are not always what they appear. Although some individuals look and sound humble, it is important to distinguish between
genuine humility and mere appearance. External behaviors—such as modesty, active listening, acknowledging others’ contributions and valuing teamwork—can be adopted strategically so as to generate social approval. However, true humility originates from a deep sense of self-awareness that allows a person to recognize their strengths and limitations as well as to value the worth and dignity of others.
History has shown us that there is no one recipe to succeeding in business. But although successful individuals exhibit
diverse personalities and traits, certain qualities can contribute to achieving and sustaining success. Resilience, adaptability, effective communication skills, emotional intelligence, collaboration, growth mindsets—all of these are included among the traits that enable individuals to navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. It is no accident that these characteristics also correspond to the likelihood that a person is humble.
All of this is to say that maintaining humility amidst success poses a significant challenge. Psychological influences, the erosion of perspective, limited feedback and the separation from one’s roots all contribute to this difficulty. However, genuine humility can coexist with success through self-awareness and a continuous commitment to personal growth. It is not easy, but it is possible for individuals to preserve their humility even as they reach new heights of achievement. Lucky for us, the challenge of staying humble is not nearly as great as it is to rise up the ranks of your organization—if you can persevere in business, there is no reason why you cannot maintain your humility.
