Give humility a chance

It may sound rather trivial but many, if not most, of the disagreements in the workplace have their root in our lack of humility. This is not a “sermon” but simply stating a fact: conflicts are difficult to settle or resolve because people find it hard to admit their mistakes. Isn’t that lack of humility? When we believe we are always correct, we tend to blame others when we get involved in a problematic situation. Our pride will not allow us to bow and say “I’m sorry, it’s my fault.” Even when the truth of our culpability is so plain to see, we create our own scenarios in an attempt to put ourselves above reproach. “Laging magpapalusot.” If this proves anything at all, it is that we have not matured enough to take responsibility for our actions.

It is true that the culture of the 21st century exalts the individual and portrays humility as a trait of losers. But trusting in the Lord’s words we lose nothing and gain everything by trying to be humble. To help us along let us listen to the recently canonized St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “These are the few ways we can practice humility: To speak as little as possible of one's self. To mind one's own business. Not to want to manage other people's affairs. To avoid curiosity. To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully. To pass over the mistakes of others. To accept insults and injuries. To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked. To be kind and gentle even under provocation. Never to stand on one's dignity. To choose always the hardest.” ( Taken from her book “The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living”).

Openness to the above pointers will not only wipe away our anxieties—it can even flood our days with joy. Let’s give humility a chance. It’s never shameful to admit we have been in the wrong; the day we learn this we will know that we have become wiser than the day before.