Success is a beautiful thing. It’s the trophy after countless late nights, hard decisions, and moments where giving up felt easier than pushing through. But as we ascend the ladders in our careers and personal endeavors, one challenge becomes glaringly significant: staying humble and approachable. This isn’t just a soft skill or a side note—it’s what separates leaders people admire from those they merely tolerate. In my own journey, I’ve learned that maintaining humility is not just about staying grounded, it’s about nurturing meaningful relationships and continuing to grow.
The Trap of Success
Let’s be real: when success comes, so does an influx of praise, recognition, and a new level of self-confidence. That’s all fine—until it isn’t. Early in my career, I found myself relishing in my wins. At one point, I noticed that conversations with colleagues subtly shifted. They stopped being open and relaxed; instead, there was a certain tension. I had unknowingly stepped into the all-too-common trap of being the ‘successful but untouchable’ person.
What happens when you fall into this trap? People may start avoiding giving you honest feedback. Your team could hesitate to share ideas, thinking you might dismiss them. Worst of all, you begin to lose sight of the very people and lessons that helped you get to where you are. I needed a change—and fast.
Key Lessons for Staying Humble
Practice Active Listening
One of the quickest ways to show humility is to genuinely listen. During a time when I was wrapped up in my own achievements, I realized my listening skills had slipped. Conversations became more about waiting for my turn to speak rather than absorbing what was being said. I decided to change that by practicing active listening—asking questions, making eye contact, and summarizing what others said before responding. It was simple, yet it transformed my interactions and reminded me of the value in everyone’s perspective.
Own Your Mistakes Publicly
Success can make us fear mistakes. After all, when you’re on top, who wants to admit they’re wrong? But I found that being open about my missteps not only kept me grounded but strengthened the trust people had in me. I remember a significant project where I overlooked a crucial detail that almost derailed our timeline. Instead of sidestepping it, I owned up in front of my team. The response? Respect. They knew I wasn’t invincible, and it made me more relatable.
Mentorship: Give Back What You’ve Learned
Humility shines when you’re willing to lift others as you climb. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, and one of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been paying that forward. Whether it’s providing advice, sharing my own hard-learned lessons, or simply being there to guide someone through their challenges, mentorship keeps your feet firmly on the ground.
The Importance of Approachability
Success can sometimes build walls. To many, titles and achievements create distance. To combat this, I made an effort to show my team and network that despite any accolades, I’m still me. Sometimes that meant sharing a self-deprecating story or reaching out to someone just to chat about their day. Little things, but powerful.
I’ll never forget the time a junior team member nervously approached me to discuss an idea. He admitted he almost didn’t come forward because he thought I “wouldn’t have the time.” That moment reminded me that staying approachable isn’t just about the big gestures; it’s about consistently showing people you’re accessible, open, and willing to listen.
Staying Humble is a Daily Practice
Humility isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a practice. Here’s what works for me and might help you stay rooted:
- Surround yourself with people who challenge you. They remind you that there’s always room to grow.
- Stay curious. Ask questions, learn from those around you, and remind yourself that success is a journey, not a destination.
- Reflect regularly. Taking the time to assess how you engage with others helps keep your ego in check.
A Legacy of Respect
At the end of the day, success means nothing if it creates a gap between you and those who supported you along the way. Staying humble and approachable isn’t just good for relationships—it’s good for your soul and legacy. So, keep your achievements in perspective, remember that everyone has value, and stay committed to being the kind of person people want to celebrate, not just tolerate.
