# Embracing Humility: The Key to Authentic Leadership
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Chapter 1: The Wisdom of Humility
A profound insight shared by my friend and co-author, Kevin Ervin Kelley, AIA, recently struck a chord with me. For over three decades, Kevin has been a "ghost-designer," helping renowned brands like Whole Foods and Harley Davidson, as well as numerous small businesses, flourish in a dynamic environment by fostering spaces that encourage social interaction and positive behavior.
Standing at five feet eight inches, Kevin may not be the tallest person in the room, but he has invaluable experiences to share. Most of the CEOs and executives he meets are significantly taller than him, along with some of his own team members.
"It's fascinating to watch how individuals react when I enter a room with my notebook and pen, flanked by colleagues who have a more commanding presence," he recounted. "Time and again, I’ve been overlooked, with people assuming that one of the larger team members was in charge and I was merely the assistant. Initially, this frustrated me; I felt the need to assert my significance as the founder. However, I quickly recognized the benefits of being low-key. People felt at ease around me, leading to open conversations, which is crucial for building trust."
This quality in Kevin is commendable. He has maintained a thriving business by mastering the art of humility and, as he puts it, "keeping himself small."
How to Stand Out from the Crowd (both professionally & personally)
In this enlightening video, learn how to differentiate yourself in both personal and professional arenas by adopting a humble and approachable demeanor.
Section 1.1: The Power of Learning
In the early stages of his career, Kevin was not only a business owner but also a lecturer at Harvard University, where he taught design, branding, and marketing alongside the esteemed architect Gene Kohn. This revelation took several conversations for me to uncover.
Many of his friends often wondered how he managed to network with influential figures so early on, including leaders from major financial institutions and global organizations.
"There are two truths about successful individuals that many overlook," he explained. "First, they are constantly surrounded by remarkable people. Trying to impress them with your perceived knowledge will only lead to being dismissed. Second, those who are truly successful enjoy teaching and sharing their insights. I was welcomed into their circles because I approached them as a learner, eager to absorb every lesson they offered. This approach remains my primary strategy, regardless of the person or client."
I find this mindset both motivating and refreshing.
In a society where individuals often flaunt their titles and achievements to gain influence, they frequently miss the point: authentic leadership is not about being the most accomplished but rather about using your resources to uplift others.
Section 1.2: The Myth of Strength
As someone who shares a similar height with Kevin and has faced challenges with self-doubt and a stutter, I spent much of my life grappling with limiting beliefs about my capabilities. I mistakenly adopted the narrative that true strength involves overpowering others and disguising my authentic self.
However, it is individuals like Kevin who have shown me that the only transformation I needed was to challenge the negative self-talk I had internalized.
Most CEOs would echo Kevin's sentiment that it's not the loudest individuals who pose the greatest threat; rather, it's the quiet, observant ones who listen more than they speak that warrant attention. Kevin’s unassuming nature allows him to quickly connect with diverse individuals and establish trust.
He doesn’t pretend to know it all; instead, he encourages others to ask insightful questions, helping them find their own solutions. By refraining from dominating discussions, he can identify what others value.
These traits—observant, listening, curious—are essential for future leaders. They enable you to positively impact others while expanding your own horizons, all without adding to the noise of distractions.
Chapter 2: Redefining Limitations
How To Stand Out From The Crowd
This video discusses practical strategies for distinguishing yourself in various environments by embracing humility and openness.
If you can turn perceived shortcomings into strengths and view them from a new perspective, you can transform your approach to leadership. Recognizing that your main role is to elevate those around you opens up limitless possibilities.
Moreover, I believe that quiet confidence—the kind that allows others to shine while you absorb and reflect—is an incredibly appealing quality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
— Michael
To delve deeper into Kevin's perspectives, feel free to follow him for more insights.