Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

"Be humble - success is reversible."

To me there's something strong within and about a person that can take success in stride, and not have it change who they are. I think that "ability," or whatever you want to call it, is part of the reason for many successful business leaders in the first place.

That's a vastly misunderstood aspect of business leadership. When you really get down to thinking about business, one of the key elements is of course service and putting up with a lot of gripes and complaints from our workers and customers.

Those that are able to walk successfully in this, after handling all of it, and still remain in a place of humility, have people around them that not only celebrate their success, but help them to be even more successful as a result.

Consider Herb Kelleher. While his outward antics and humor can at times make you think he's full of himself, in reality it's not true. People within Southwest Airlines (LUV) always thought of him as one of them. He never put on airs and acted better than someone else.

At the same time, he was still tough and demanded as much out of his people as he was willing to put in himself. Still, when things went wrong in their lives, the corporate culture initiated by Kelleher, ended with fellow workers surrounding their co-worker(s) and helping them out.

In the corporate, and to a larger extent, the overall world, many love to see people get kicked when their down, and many are there ready to offer that kick. Those that walk humbly in their positions, seem to have a protection built in that brings resistance and a protection from those that may be in a position to do this to you.

Humility isn't weakness, it's in fact a powerful strength. Those walking in this way don't have to fear falling from the heights, they never thought they were there in the first place.

Other Herb Kelleher Sources:

A Culture of Commitment

HERB KELLEHER

The wild turkey

Herb Kelleher on the Record, Part 1

Herb Kelleher Talks about How Southwest Airlines Grew from Entrepreneurial Startup to Industry Leadership

Belief Model for The Leadership of Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines)

Herb Kelleher, Chairman, CEO and President, Southwest Airlines

Remember to Sign up for my feed