Good Things Happen When You're Humble at Work - Part 3
Today, we continue our discussion of how and why good things happen when you're humble at work. Drawing from the "Twelve Degrees of Humility" in the Rule of St. Benedict, having covered 1 through 4, here are 5 through 8. Remember that these were originally addressed to monks living in an enclosed monastic community. So we non-monks need to interpolate St. Benedict's advice to fit into our non-monk work world.
"The fifth degree of humility is that he humbly confess and conceal not from his abbot any evil thoughts that enter his heart, and any secret sins that he has committed..."
While we're not monks under obedience to an Abbot, we can still interpolate this to apply to our work. Hold yourself to a highest standard not only in the work you produce, but in how you interact with other individuals in the course of the day. From time to time, ask yourself if your efforts have fallen short in any way. If so, resolve to improve. And if perchance any thoughts, words, or actions were in fact sinful, beg God's forgiveness right away with an Act of Contrition and get to Confession. Don't let the grass grow under your feet when it comes to your commitment to good work and good behavior.
"The sixth degree of humility is that a monk be content with the meanest and worst of everything, and esteem himself, in regard to the work that is given him, as a bad and unworthy workman..."
I was taught to respect anyone performing honest work. One of my first summer jobs was serving food in a factory cafeteria. Even though I attended an "elite" school, I had no pretense that I was any better than anyone I served, nor did I shirk anything that was asked of me. I've known "higher ups" who wouldn't be caught dead even talking to one of the "little people" way down the totem pole. But if you're truly humble, you know that no person and no task is somehow "beneath" you. Knowing that, we're never reluctant to chip in. Of course, we attend to our primary duties first and foremost. But, really, none of us is so busy that we can't from time to time lend a hand to help others who may be struggling, or simply could use a boost to meet a deadline.
"The seventh degree of humility is that he should not only in his speech declare himself lower and of less account than all others, but should in his own inmost heart believe it, humbling himself and saying with the prophet: 'But I am a worm and now man, a byword to all men, and the laughing-stock of the people.' (Ps. 21:7) 'I have been lifted up only to be humbled and confounded' Ps 87:16); and again: 'It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy commandments.' (Ps 118: 71)"
If you've ever been subjected to self-promoters, or simply those who talk about themselves endlessly, you know how off-putting it can be. Who are they trying impress - and why are they trying? Whatever might be your worth to your employer or your customers will come out in your actions and the results you produce during the course of the work day. You don't need to tell people how wonderful you are.
As for saying you're a worm, and all the rest, speaking for myself, I could use this sort of "dressing down." That old ego has been puffed up plenty over the years.
If, in some extraordinary circumstance, you need to make sure your boss is aware of some extraordinary contribution, don't be shy. But that doesn't mean you pat yourself on the back and feel all satisfied. You can still keep your humble demeanor. In fact, I'm willing to bet that, expressed with humility, your pointing out your special accomplishment would have much greater impact and appreciation than it might have coming from someone who's bragging or otherwise pumping himself up.
"The eighth degree of humility is that a monk do nothing except what is commended by the common rule of the monastery and the example of his superiors."
No matter what sort of work we do, certain standards apply. Good business practices include honesty, integrity, being on time, communicating effectively and respectfully, taking responsibility for your efforts and actions, etc. When it comes to particular business or company, observe how others work. Assuming you work for people who evidence skill and behave in a mature and ethical fashion, let their example guide you. What are their work habits? How do they speak to those to whom they report, as well as those who report to them? Some companies are more formal than others, some less so. Same applies to speech and dress. A humble person would instinctively understand most of this. He or she would not seek to stand out in order to gratify their ego.
Next time we knock off Degrees 9 through 12...
"The fifth degree of humility is that he humbly confess and conceal not from his abbot any evil thoughts that enter his heart, and any secret sins that he has committed..."
While we're not monks under obedience to an Abbot, we can still interpolate this to apply to our work. Hold yourself to a highest standard not only in the work you produce, but in how you interact with other individuals in the course of the day. From time to time, ask yourself if your efforts have fallen short in any way. If so, resolve to improve. And if perchance any thoughts, words, or actions were in fact sinful, beg God's forgiveness right away with an Act of Contrition and get to Confession. Don't let the grass grow under your feet when it comes to your commitment to good work and good behavior.
"The sixth degree of humility is that a monk be content with the meanest and worst of everything, and esteem himself, in regard to the work that is given him, as a bad and unworthy workman..."
I was taught to respect anyone performing honest work. One of my first summer jobs was serving food in a factory cafeteria. Even though I attended an "elite" school, I had no pretense that I was any better than anyone I served, nor did I shirk anything that was asked of me. I've known "higher ups" who wouldn't be caught dead even talking to one of the "little people" way down the totem pole. But if you're truly humble, you know that no person and no task is somehow "beneath" you. Knowing that, we're never reluctant to chip in. Of course, we attend to our primary duties first and foremost. But, really, none of us is so busy that we can't from time to time lend a hand to help others who may be struggling, or simply could use a boost to meet a deadline.
"The seventh degree of humility is that he should not only in his speech declare himself lower and of less account than all others, but should in his own inmost heart believe it, humbling himself and saying with the prophet: 'But I am a worm and now man, a byword to all men, and the laughing-stock of the people.' (Ps. 21:7) 'I have been lifted up only to be humbled and confounded' Ps 87:16); and again: 'It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy commandments.' (Ps 118: 71)"
If you've ever been subjected to self-promoters, or simply those who talk about themselves endlessly, you know how off-putting it can be. Who are they trying impress - and why are they trying? Whatever might be your worth to your employer or your customers will come out in your actions and the results you produce during the course of the work day. You don't need to tell people how wonderful you are.
As for saying you're a worm, and all the rest, speaking for myself, I could use this sort of "dressing down." That old ego has been puffed up plenty over the years.
If, in some extraordinary circumstance, you need to make sure your boss is aware of some extraordinary contribution, don't be shy. But that doesn't mean you pat yourself on the back and feel all satisfied. You can still keep your humble demeanor. In fact, I'm willing to bet that, expressed with humility, your pointing out your special accomplishment would have much greater impact and appreciation than it might have coming from someone who's bragging or otherwise pumping himself up.
"The eighth degree of humility is that a monk do nothing except what is commended by the common rule of the monastery and the example of his superiors."
No matter what sort of work we do, certain standards apply. Good business practices include honesty, integrity, being on time, communicating effectively and respectfully, taking responsibility for your efforts and actions, etc. When it comes to particular business or company, observe how others work. Assuming you work for people who evidence skill and behave in a mature and ethical fashion, let their example guide you. What are their work habits? How do they speak to those to whom they report, as well as those who report to them? Some companies are more formal than others, some less so. Same applies to speech and dress. A humble person would instinctively understand most of this. He or she would not seek to stand out in order to gratify their ego.
Next time we knock off Degrees 9 through 12...
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