The year was 2016, we were in completion phase of the information Technology and physical security infrastructure of a big regional bank’s Headquarter in Nigeria. We were under a lot of pressure to complete testing and commission and on the final weekend before we handover to the bank. I could remember I was in
a large meeting room which also housed a communication rack where our team was carrying out a test and I led the final testing to ensure the integrity
and accuracy of the test maybe also because I can be obsessive, I was getting tired so I pulled a chair from the meeting table sat on it so I could be more comfortable assessing the demons locked in my computer preventing a successful test, suddenly, two ladies walked in, one was the secretary and the other the head of administration at the time for this organization. I was expecting the usual well-done, I hope your team will be ready this weekend for us to go live, but to my surprise they exclaimed why was I sitting on their chair to troubleshoot, I apologized and quickly took my sit on the floor. My colleagues were shocked at their disregard for their boss and more worried that I did not put up any fuss or push back. Good news, I was able to complete my task that night got into my car and had a good night rest happy that I completed my task.

This is 2025, we are still in business with this bank and the two ladies, oh they were both summarily dismissed less than a year for reasons I still do not care about. I did two things that day though, I want you to learn from, I elevated the cause (our project) above my ego and taught my colleagues being the boss, the value of focus and practical humility. Humility can keep you in a place longer than most people last, it can improve your financial bottom line. There is no wisdom in winning arguments all the time and loosing relationships. I also forgot to mention that both ladies after that day were more courteous and even cheerful towards me seeing that I could not be hurt by petty tantrums.

I like to see humility as a leverage, It has monetary value as well. Most times I notice that my humble gestures are my biggest attraction why? I believe smart
people think they don’t have to be humble, they do not have to apologize when they are wrong. I get a whole lot of goodwill from acting with humility. If I need something from a busy person I could reach out a million times without a response from them and I will continue to be patient because I have learnt to elevate the cause above my petty human pride and ego. This week try to be deliberate about being humble. I should add also I have never met a truly wealthy person who does not exhibit this form of humility nor do people get stuck being average who do not always put petty ego and pride above a cause.