Humble and Kind…

Sometimes life sends messages in funny ways.  I am probably as frustrated as you watching what is happening daily around us in politics, in the government, in the workplace, in social media and even in our schools.  I shake my head in disbelief at the divisiveness around every door we open.  Where has respect and kindness gone? 

I am not a country music listener.  I like it, but do not love it.  For whatever reason this weekend, I was listening to country and came across Tim McGraw singing his song “Humble and Kind” and it resonated with me.  And it was also on the radio as I was reading an article titled, “How Men Get Penalized for Straying from Masculine Norms” (Mayer). The article was eye-opening in that the research demonstrated that men too face backlash when they don’t adhere to masculine gender stereotypes — when they show vulnerability, act nicer, display empathy, exhibit modesty, etc.. This is troubling because it discourages men from behaving in ways known to benefit their teams and their own careers.  More agreeable men across multiple industries made an average of 18% less in income and were evaluated as less likely to have management potential as compared to less agreeable men. I DO NOT AGREE! 

So, I thought I would offer some tips for those of us who value kindness.  You can be kind and humble while being successful.  The key is to make sure people understand you are nice AND assertive.  You can have high standards, hold people accountable, setting aggressive goals, ask the tough questions … while being kind. So with this said, I thought I would leave you with some tips that I have learned over the years:

• Take the credit humbly AND give the credit for a job well done
• Listen more
• Continue to ask compelling questions
• Continue to share your knowledge
• Pay attention to details
• Treat everyone fairly
• Continue to ask for feedback (welcome criticism)
• Appreciate success of others
• Admit your mistakes
• Do not micro manage
• Let other people brag. 

You can be kind and humble and successful doing all of these in a nice way.  Maybe Mr. McGraw should be a life coach {lyrics below}…

You know there's a lot that goes by the front door
Don't forget the keys, under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind

Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride, but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge, or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you,  ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer, a popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

·       Tim McGraw

Together.  We.  Win.

Dave Harmon
People Division
“Kindness is Currency”
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidharmonhr

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