“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Today, let’s discuss an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of entrepreneurship: humility. This isn’t about downplaying your accomplishments or talents; rather, it’s about embracing a mindset that keeps you grounded, teachable, and resilient in the face of business challenges.
Humility in business isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strength. It’s the quiet confidence that allows you to celebrate your victories without arrogance and accept your failures without despair.
Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, despite leading a revolutionary biotech company is known for her unassuming nature and approachable leadership style. She credits much of her success to staying humble and open to learning. This humility has enabled her to navigate the volatile world of biotech, build a strong team, and maintain consumer trust.
Humility builds a culture of continuous learning. When you’re humble, you’re more open to feedback and new ideas, which can lead to innovative solutions and business growth. It also helps you build stronger relationships with your team, partners, and customers. People are naturally drawn to leaders who are authentic and relatable.
Action Step: Identify one area where you can demonstrate more humility in your business this week. It could be acknowledging a mistake, appreciating a team member’s contribution, or seeking feedback on a recent decision.
Remember, as entrepreneurs, our greatest strength often lies not in the volume of our voice, but in the depth of our character. Embracing humility can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth.
To learn more about the power of humility in business, be sure to check out our book of the week: “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel.