Aim to be a Zero
"Humility is the ability to give up your pride and still retain your dignity." – Vanna Bonta
I recently heard a retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot tell a story about what he observed during his training days. The story he shared resonated with me because it appears to be a common occurrence in all walks of life.
The story goes something like this … Several people, including this young pilot, are in an elevator heading to a classroom training session, when the elevator makes a stop on the second floor. At this point, another trainee, who thought of himself very highly, steps inside.
Someone asks, “Which floor, sir”?
He ignores the question about his destination floor, snakes his way through the crowded elevator, presses the button, and stands in silence until he departs the elevator.
The speaker sharing this story concluded the following:
“I learned from observing this type of behavior that this conceited pilot came into a training program thinking he was a +1, and he had a tough uphill battle that eventually led to his demise.”
Be a Zero
From what I learned, being a Zero is a good thing because it means that, regardless of our skill level, we are prepared to learn. In other words, we do not think too much of ourselves to the point that we are closed off to what others are saying.
There are three levels here …
If you consider yourself a -1, this means you think very little of your skill level, and you might lack the confidence to learn what it takes to excel.
If you believe you are a +1, it signifies you think you are better than everyone else, and you don’t really care about what others are trying to share with you because you already know everything.
The sweet spot is the Zero person. This individual is clearly aware of his or her skill level but is prepared to learn from others. Thus, a huge advantage of Person Zero is that they work well on teams, and they are willing to do what is possible to ensure the project or mission is a success.
Zero Gravity
The person who shared this story is Canadian-born Chris Hadfield, who went to space three times and was selected as commander of Expedition 35. This expedition traveled on the Russian Soyuz aircraft, spending 144 days on the International Space Station (ISS).
Hadfield shared several stories about practicing the Zero mentality, even as a commander. For example, in one scenario, the toilet of the ISS malfunctioned, and he was assigned by NASA Houston to fix it.
As he tells the story, there was no thinking twice about it. Although this was his third trip to zero gravity, and he was considered an accomplished astronaut, he needed to do whatever was asked of him, regardless of how menial it seemed.
Lead with Humility
As I think about this story, I am reminded about the many times I wanted others to know about my accomplishments first, even before they got to know me as a person.
I know today that most people have very little interest in the degrees and professional accomplishments I have gained over the past few decades.
Instead, they care to know me as a person.
When I approach life as a Zero, I will lead with humility and be prepared to think of others instead of artificially placing myself at the front of the line.
Inspiring Quotes
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real." – Thomas Merton
"It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." – Saint Augustine
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: How will you be a Zero this week?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.