Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
I attended a meeting recently where the new PMO Director explained to a room full of PMs that she wanted them to practice being humble. Now given my experience, project management is anything but humble. I've always seem it as a mentoring, leadership role and on occasion a contact sport with elbows, if required, on occasion. Your thoughts? Saving Changes...
Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
I just want to say that Aboifazi went back a ways, 2 years, to dig this question out. With another two years under my belt I would say humility yes, for many things, but humble no. And Servant Leader is Agile, not project management.
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1 reply by Thomas Walenta
May 20, 2020 2:26 AM
Thomas Walenta
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Servant leadership existed before agile was invented as a marketing label.
Same is true for iterations, trial and error, and many other ‚agile‘ features.
Labeling human behaviors and mindsets is not humble.
Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Experience is the greatest humility teacher. You might have started your project management profession full of piss and vinegar. After a dozen or more projects under your belt, you start leaving your ego at home. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
I chime in what most here say. For me, humility is the ultimate leadership quality, attribute of a leader.
Leaders for their power in their role would be able to take the credit for achievements, brace about their capabilities, compete with colleagues, search for connecting with superiors or show similar attitudes. None of them is appreciated by others.
Humility is a global human value that is cherished by everyone (according to Rushworth Kidder). One of eight.
All of the mentioned behaviors are signs of weakness and a lack of self-confidence. Being not humble means you pretend to be someone you are not.
So the new PMO lead is correct in setting this goal. But then the change in personal developments and culture starts. Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I do not think that you need any context or explanation for being humble. It's like people asking what you mean when you talk about honesty or integrity! Being humble does not mean being weak, it does not mean being a floor rag. It means that you simply do not think and act like you are the most important person in the room (world?). You might have all the PMI certifications and you may post 1000 post on the forum and you may have every ace badge available but you can still be humble and listen and learn from others. That does not prevent you from being a leader or mentor, it makes you a good one. If you always make sure people understand that you have this and that certification, have published so many articles and can recite the PMBOK backwards then you are not a PM, you are an arrogant asshole. Listening instead of talking, asking feedback and acting on it, giving praise where it is due, helping develop other are all things that little things that makes you more humble. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
May 19, 2020 9:54 AM
Replying to Larry Miner
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I just want to say that Aboifazi went back a ways, 2 years, to dig this question out. With another two years under my belt I would say humility yes, for many things, but humble no. And Servant Leader is Agile, not project management.
Servant leadership existed before agile was invented as a marketing label.
Same is true for iterations, trial and error, and many other ‚agile‘ features.
Labeling human behaviors and mindsets is not humble. Saving Changes...
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Being humble is a good personality trait regardless of the role or job one holds. Being cocky or arrogant is the opposite of being humble. I think we will all agree that we do not appreciate working with arrogant people in our teams.
Being a leader and being humble is not just possible, it is advisable. Saving Changes...
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