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Tagging Yourself as a Humble Organization: From the Desk of Jay Kadash
Communication, both content and process, is moving at light-speed during this commonly referred to “unprecedented time.” There has been much to inform, share and ask through all channels of communication. We seek to inspire and share “unprecedented” acts of charity, giving and self-sacrifice. From another lens, we warn about “unprecedented” acts of selfishness and greed.
Communicating in any type of human-services organization is a balance between demonstrating strength and commitment to those you serve and remaining humble and showing humility. Unfortunately, many of us hear “humility” and think weakness. We hear “humble” and think meek. Yet, from a leadership lens, humility is a strength, and the ability to remain humble is an asset.
I work with a great communications team. Their commitment to sharing information and inspiring others through this pandemic has been tireless. We are confident in our mission and our voice in advocating for families and their communities; strong in our respect for the children and families we work alongside; and proud that we demonstrate this same strength and confidence in working with our staff. However, this week, I had to ask my team, “How have we been communicating our humility?”
My pause in leadership this week…
During this time, human services must remain attentive to communicating “self-pats on the back” for themselves, their staff and their partners. Acknowledgment and appreciation for our acts of selflessness is not the question. It is the right thing to do. However, where and how we communicate this gratitude is important. Tony Schwartz wrote:
“Genuine humility is a reflection of neither weakness nor insecurity. Instead, it implies a respectful appreciation of the strengths of others, a lack of personal pretension and a more relaxed sense of confidence that doesn’t require external recognition.”
Moving forward, our communications team must consciously ask itself before each post:
- Are we communicating respectful appreciation of the strengths of the children and families we serve, our staff and partners?
- Is there any purposeful self-promotion?
- Are we expecting a “pat on the back” for this?
Together, confidence and humility have integral roles in making you a person who is authentically respected; a leader who is effective and appreciative of their team; and a team that is humbled by the work they do and everything they communicate about it.
During this heightened time of communication, let those of us who serve others remain confidently humbled by the work.