Humility is an elusive word. Defined by the Larousse dictionary as: “the state of mind of someone who is aware of their inadequacies and weaknesses,” humility can be difficult to understand in practice. Saint Augustine said this about it: “Do you wish to rise? Start by descending. Do you plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? First lay the foundations of humility.” While the definition of humility implies an absence of self in action, it can also be a dedication of oneself to values and aspirations beyond ourselves. At Recruit Action, we consider humility to be one of the foundations of our work, guiding our interactions with each other, as well as with our clients.
In the modern workplace, corporate culture is fueled by competition and several other factors, which can tend to overshadow the value of humility. The best managers are regularly described as confident and assertive, while weakness and doubt are often associated with more humble leaders. It can be difficult to demonstrate humility when the status quo favors selfishness and power. However, research shows that humility is actually essential to business success, and workplaces that foster it are happier and more productive. A study conducted by Paul J. Zac at Claremont Graduate University found that professional teams that foster humility and confidence experienced 75% less stress, 50% more productivity, and 40% less burnout. Under these conditions, the teams achieved positive project outcomes, limited negative influences, and improved overall financial performance. Statistics aside, it’s clear that humility is essential for authentic interpersonal communication. When you demonstrate humility, you create a shared space of respect, openness, and understanding. In the age of digital disconnection, increased workloads, and burnout, it’s more important than ever to encourage humility within your organization.
We’d like to share some thoughts on the value of humility that the Recruit Action team has learned over the years. Humility is essential to effective communication, as it allows us to build personal connections and find common ground in our interactions at work. By putting ourselves in candidates’ shoes, we consider the impact of the job search on them and ensure conversations are positive and thoughtful. We strive for transparency in our interactions with them, ensuring we provide clear information about the recruitment process at every stage. Our team members always follow up on the process and are available to address any questions or concerns candidates may have at any time. Recruiting or searching for a job can be stressful. By approaching discussions with humility, we strive to create a welcoming and beneficial experience for everyone.
Humility helps us learn from our mistakes. Recognizing that we don’t have all the answers allows us to find solutions more quickly and encourages problem-solving. As the saying goes, “to err is human,” and accepting mistakes without judgment fosters a culture of learning and self-awareness. In such an environment, people are less afraid to discuss new perspectives or take new paths for fear that something might go wrong. Missteps made in a humbly minded workplace are less likely to be repeated and become a means of innovation, as we learn from our mistakes.
Relationships are the foundation of everything we do at Recruit Action, and humility allows us to develop strong bonds between colleagues and clients alike. We believe it’s essential to take the time to develop lasting partnerships based on mutual appreciation and trust. Humility fosters teamwork and a sense of solidarity. With candidates, humility allows us to better understand their needs so we can provide personalized service. Rather than reducing an individual to a list of skills displayed on a resume, our humble approach to recruiting encourages us to slow down and see each person’s unique, holistic value. Even if a candidate isn’t selected for a position, we take the time to provide constructive feedback and stay in touch to discuss future opportunities. We genuinely want to help people move forward in their job search and, through a humble perspective, we create long-term relationships, with the goal of helping individuals succeed.
Cultivating humility at work fosters empathy and helps us build a company rooted in authenticity. Shama Hyder, founder and CEO of Zen Media, aptly told Forbes magazine, “Humility and empathy go hand in hand. Both traits reflect a desire to listen to others and care about people in a more human way.” During the recruiting process, we take the time to give each candidate genuine attention, listening carefully to their needs and career aspirations. We try to understand what motivates a person in a job by asking open-ended questions and tailoring our interactions to best support each candidate. Being as open as possible inspires others to do the same. Instead of imposing expectations or pressures, we seek to respect candidates’ desires and offer opportunities that align with their goals. Acting with humility means treating others as you would wish to be treated yourself, and expressing empathy for the well-being of others is a simple, yet transformative, act.
By emphasizing humility, Recruit Action helps us develop effective communication, learn from our mistakes, build lasting relationships, and foster empathy. Our jobs and businesses are extensions of who we are as individuals. Demonstrating humility at work allows us to better support clients and candidates and demonstrates our fundamental concern for people. At Recruit Action, we strive to demonstrate humility every day and lay a solid foundation for human-centered recruitment.
We invite you to contact us to learn more about why we value humility.
