Hello Team and Franchisees,
This week, we’re spotlighting one of the most understated yet powerful virtues in our lineup: Humble. Now, before you roll your eyes and picture someone timidly fading into the background, let’s set the record straight. Humility isn’t about shrinking yourself. It’s about lifting others. It’s the quiet strength that lets your actions speak louder than your words.
Humility is the glue that holds our other virtues together:
- It makes us Dependable because when ego isn’t driving the show, integrity is. We keep our word because it’s the right thing to do, not because it boosts our reputation.
- It keeps us Knowledgeable because a humble mind is a curious one, always ready to learn and grow.
- It fuels our Grit, helping us push through challenges without needing applause or recognition.
- And it makes us more Candid because when we’re not worried about how we’ll look, we can speak the truth – and hear it – with grace and courage.
Here’s a story that captures humility perfectly – it’s about Abraham Lincoln, arguably one of the greatest leaders in American history. During the Civil War, Lincoln was often criticized, mocked, and doubted, sometimes even by his closest advisors. Yet, he never fired back or sought revenge. In fact, he often hired his harshest critics, including Edwin Stanton, who once called him a “long-armed ape.” Not exactly subtle.
But Lincoln saw past the insult. He saw Stanton’s brilliance and made him his Secretary of War. The result? Stanton became one of his most loyal and effective cabinet members. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton stood by his side and famously said, “Now he belongs to the ages.”
Lincoln’s humility wasn’t about self-doubt or weakness. It was about having the confidence to put the mission above his own pride. He didn’t need to prove he was the smartest or the strongest. He simply did what was best for the country, even if it meant swallowing his ego.
That’s the power of humility. It frees us from the need to be right or to be praised. It lets us focus on the bigger picture. It allows us to learn from anyone, even our critics. And it makes us better leaders, teammates, and human beings.
This week, let’s challenge ourselves to lead with humility. Let’s listen more than we speak, learn more than we teach, and serve more than we lead. Because when humility drives us, the other virtues – Dependable, Knowledgeable, Gritty, and Candid – naturally follow.
Let’s make it a great week,
