Whenever people talk about the qualities of a successful person, you’ll hear words like driven, smart, demanding, and hard worker.  Traits we’re told to assimilate into our own lives, if we want to taste success as well.  And while these things are not necessarily bad, there are other, less recognized virtues, I would rather have in someone I employ.

Imagine how different a workplace would be if people had more humility.  No one would feel spiteful resentment when the boss corrects a mistake.  All the backbiting and gossip would stop, because when your mind is full of your own shortcomings you’re not going to bother looking at others.  A humble person is teachable.  They want to do their best.  Someone like this would be easy to train, even in the most difficult of trades.   

Yes, in this demanding world you need to work hard, use your brain, and stay focused. But a good dose of humility will make you bearable to your coworkers. 

Next week, I’ll discuss another overlooked virtue in the workplace, loyalty.