Workplace values, like humility, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of humility and 3 ways you can practice humility at your office.
What is humility?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, humility refers to a “the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
In other words, humility could also potentially refer to the act of placing others before yourself. As CS Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”.
When placed into the context of a working environment, humility can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use humility as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice humility at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of humility at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice humility through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing humility within your own office space.
Don't micromanage your colleagues
Avoiding the act of micromanagement is one of the first steps you can take to practice humility at the workplace.
Everyone at the workplace had to go through some form of test or interview to be at the office. This also means that each one of your colleagues are qualified to do their job. While individuals work differently, some staff may like to get things done in a certain and specific way.
As such, one way to demonstrate humility is by ensuring that he or she does not micromanage others.
Each of us have our own way of doing things. Allowing someone the space to work using their own style is one way you can practice humility at the office!
Practice humility especially when the work is urgently due or when more hands can help to check this task off the list. These are the times where one should learn to give others room to work at their own pace. Mingling in such instances can cause further delay.
Besides, micromanaging suggest that you know better. And that’s not humility. When you avoid the need to micromanage your colleagues , you would be demonstrating the workplace value of humility in a simple yet efficient manner.
Express your appreciation
One can practice humility in relation to his or her role at the workplace too! How exactly? Humility can just as easily be expressed through your simple words of appreciation at the office!
As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of adaptability is by taking the initiative to express your appreciation genuinely. Simply express your gratitude through a ‘thank you’ when a colleague helps you out.
Don’t just stick to your tasks alone, either! You can always practice humility by helping out your colleagues whenever they may need some assistance with work too.
Thus, openly and genuinely expressing your appreciation is one way to practice the workplace value of humility in the office.
Keep an open mind towards criticism
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of humility at your office is by keeping an open mind towards criticism.
When it comes to feedback on one’s hard work, people tend to feel tense and uncomfortable. As such, keeping an open mind towards criticism can help you go far in practising humility.
Criticism should be taken in a positive manner. When done so, criticisms can be useful feedback that we rely on to improve ourselves. While you may be certain that the work you had produced is of your best efforts, others may have advice to improve the project anyway.
Humility is as simple as taking a deep breath or collecting your thoughts before reacting to a situation! As such, keeping an open mind towards criticism is one other way to practise the workplace value of humility at the office!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of humility. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice humility at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
