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King Solomon, reputedly the wisest man that ever lived, said that vanity is like chasing the wind, it’s nothing!

I mention this because I see much vanity in the world today. It’s not something for the younger generation to model, yet do we nourish it?

We should all enjoy and celebrate the winning and success which comes our way through focus and committing to a purpose. However, if we genuinely believe that our achievements are in spite of others, we are in trouble.

Ubuntu (I am because of others) is a truism which we validate throughout our lives. Let’s give recognition where it’s due because we are actually nothing without others.

The success trap is seductive says Marshall Goldsmith – I behave this way, I am successful, therefore I must be successful because I behave this way. Ask Christiano Ronaldo and Donald Trump.

Be mindful when that inner voice starts to feed your ego … and remain grounded.

Humility comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective, humilis, which may be translated as humble, but also as grounded, or from the earth, since it originates from humus.

Humility is the antidote for pride, narcissism, arrogance, conceit and self-importance. It has nothing to do with being ‘weak’ but everything to do with being ‘great.’

Years ago, when I read Jim Collins leadership book Good To Great, I was encouraged by many of his research team findings.

A number of traits differentiated the leaders who were ‘great’ from those who were ‘good.’

The great leaders displayed humility. They were tough on targets, soft on people, and remained strongly connected to them because they cared.

When things went pear-shaped, they looked in the mirror and reminded themselves that this was where it started. I wish more leaders would read the book.

Furthermore, when things went well, they ‘looked out the window’ and subscribed the good fortune to their people. They did not care who got the kudos as they understood that when their people win, they win!

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.