Humility

Humility, The Secret Ingredient of Success by Pat Williams 
This is an excellent book on the importance of humility in effective leadership, management and success. The book uses many examples from the sports world to show the results of humility and self-importance in how we live our lives, lead and manage. The examples are well chosen, easily understood and the lessons on target and helpful. I am not a follower of sports or sports personalities but was easily able to relate to the material. One example not involving sports concerns Katherine Graham, owner of the Washington Post. Mrs. Graham had hosted all the greatest leaders from around the world.  When asked “What is the single most important trait of all good leaders?” she replied “The absence of arrogance.” George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Gandhi all exhibited a lack of arrogance in their leadership and daily lives. I will use this book in my corporate management training, graduate classes in leadership/management and other groups I teach and facilitate. I received a free copy of Humility, The Secret ingredient of Success from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley.

Have read several books by Pat Williams and have always enjoyed them. This one is no different. I highly recommend it.

This was a good book even for someone that doesn't work outside the home anymore.  I enjoyed the sports people in this book.  I highly recommend this book.

We all have strengths and weaknesses, and cooperation involves meshing those strengths and weaknesses in a complementary way. If we let our egos get in the way of ability to cooperate, teamwork will suffer and we'll fall flat on our faces. But if we practice humility, if we humbly supply what each other lacks, we'll became an unbeatable team. 

I was not aware of Pat William's career since I don't follow basketball but I have to say I would like to know more about him. Humility is a valuable virtue when it comes to relationships and as a life skill. We can have a "fake" humility and that is well described in the text as well. However, what is it like to have a life of humility? It is putting others first and thinking less of your own needs. Humility is something that needs to be practiced in all areas of life. 

The text has eight chapters and they are the following.


The Price of Arrogance, the Rewards of Humility
A Short History of Humility
Humility as a Business Asset
Genuine Humility - or Just an Act?
Humble Confidence-Striking the Right Balance
Humility as a Communication Style
Hire the Humble
Humility-a Learnable Skill

All these chapters offer examples of sport figures, world leaders, and those that Williams has known in his career. 


Some of the quotes that I found inspiring. 
A humble leader builds a culture of humility-and organizations of humility can achieve great things.

Don't let failure go to your heart and don't let success go to your head.

A truly humble person won't try to impress you, manipulate you, judge you, criticize you, or put in your place. Humble people are safe to be around. You can relax . You can be yourself. Humility is a gift we give to other people. Ironically, arrogance makes us seem small and pathetic. Humility is what makes people great. 

Humility frees you to give others your best and to be free of self where fear resides and bitterness grows. I highly recommend this read for business, leaders, and those that wish to have a better of grasp of what humility looks like.

A Special Thank You to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.