July 18, 2023

Dig Down Deep Before Building Up | WT #60

Here’s what I think: The foundation upon which authentic leadership is built is humility. And here’s where I mess it up. I tend to lightly check the box on humility. Then, I give in to my biology or instinct and launch myself into building my next success when I should be descending. Descending? Yes, by excavating before building that next success. Why? To make as much room as possible to include others’ talents in reaching higher than I can by myself. How? Asking these questions point me in the right direction.

Does the latest success you plan to build help you to be on-purpose?
How does it help you execute your mission?
How does it draw-out the best in others rather than being all about you? You can’t reach your authentic or best self without others.

If we excavate our pride and vanity first, we make room for a deeper foundation of humility. The deeper we excavate, the deeper our foundation, the higher we can build. Any thoughts?

This article was last modified on July 18, 2023 .

About the author

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.

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Dig Down Deep Before Building Up | WT #60

Darren Smith

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You're invited to the Rise to Greatness! Executive Forums—a premier networking coffee series for C-suite leaders, executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and educators who seek more than just business as usual.