"The condition of humility is not arrogant or prideful; it is down to earth, patient, compassionate, concerned and authentic in its sincerity" and "leaders with humility act with modesty and restraint" (Lawrence, 2006). I agree that it is a delicate balance between strength and humility without it coming across as weakness which is one of the negative connotations associated with humility. The followers who see the traid of humility as weakness and take advantage are not aware of the "gift" of humility that was bestowed upon them. Much like casting your pearl upon the swine as was written in the Bible. There is now a new term, "neohumility" that has been coined to reflect the "new humility" in leadership and business today. "Neohumility," is "humility without weakness and transformed to fit the business world" as it seeks to operationalize "neohumility and includes characteristics such as self-awareness, valuing others' opinions, willing to learn and change, sharing power, having the ability to hear the truth and admit mistakes," and works to create a "culture of openness where dissent is encouraged in an environment of mutual trust and respect" (Lawrence, 2006). Morris et al (2005) defines authentic humility as "neither self-abasement nor as overly positive self-regard" and he outlines three dimensions of humility: self-awareness, openness, and transcendence (Lawrence, 2006). "Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right" (Ezra Taft Benson, nd).
Reference:
Lawrence, P.G., (2006). Neohumility and Business Leadership: Do they belong together? Retrieved September 21, 2008 from http://cda.morris.umn.edu/~lawrenpg/leadership.pdf.
