Etech’s 12 Character Commitments: Part – 3
Over 12 years ago we made the decision to implement a new philosophy on leadership that supports our vision to make a remarkable difference for each other, our customers, and within our communities. Our goal was to inspire Etech’s leadership team to embrace the challenge to conform our company to a servant-led organization. The pillars of Etech’s servant leadership culture are our 12 leadership commitments.
Those commitments are:
- Being a positive influence
- Valuing others
- Leading with integrity
- Leading with humility
- Leading with courage
- Being a team player
- Communicating well
- Holding yourself and others accountable
- Adapting to change
- Being a lifelong learner
- Being creative
- Embracing, living, and casting our vision
In this blog, I’ll be sharing insights into how to lead with humility. I encourage each of you to read, embrace, and self-evaluate. I would be honored to hear your thoughts or feedback.
Why do Humble Leaders Make The Best Leaders?
At Etech, humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of others more often. Here are some examples of what it means to demonstrate humility at Etech.
1. Give credit where it’s due
Always look for ways to acknowledge the contributions of others. Don’t take all the credit for successes. Be the first to accept accountability for any failures.
2. Acknowledge mistakes and learn from them
As leaders, it is sometimes difficult to admit when we have made a mistake or failed. But there is nothing more powerful in expressing humility than being honest about a mistake and taking responsibility for it. When you make a mistake – get back up, acknowledge it, and take the time to learn from it.
3. Admit when you don’t know something
Don’t pretend to be an expert on something you don’t know. Don’t think your way to solving a problem is the only way to solve it. Be open to learning, growing, and trying new approaches.
4. Ask questions and listen
Demonstrate your humility by taking the time to ask questions, and then really listen. Be 100% present when engaged in a conversation with a team member, set aside your phone or shut off your computer screen and be all in.
5. Proactively jump in and help
Show others that you are willing to lend a hand no matter what the task. I have walked into the breakroom in our Nacogdoches center and have witnessed leaders flipping pancakes to help the team! Talk about jumping in! Don’t be afraid to take on new roles or step out of your comfort zone. This shows that you’re humble and open to learning.
6. Talk the talk
Use the words such as we, us, and ours, not I, me, or my.
7. Don’t take yourself too seriously
A mentor of mine told me a long time ago, “Matt, I like to have a good time at work and try not to take myself too seriously, but don’t ever confuse that with how serious and competitive I am at what I do for our customers and my team.” This was great advice that has stuck with me my entire career. I have seen leaders take a pie in the face from their team on so many occasions! That is not taking yourself too seriously.
I hope this gives you some ideas to contemplate!
Until next time, may you continue to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch each day.
