There’s a subtle but meaningful difference between being humble and showing humility. Although it might seem minor, each has a unique role in strengthening your influence and winning people’s trust.
Being humble is an inner quality, a character trait rooted in how you view yourself and the world around you. It’s not about belittling your accomplishments or pretending you don’t have strengths, it’s about having a balanced perspective.
When you’re humble, you recognize your place. You don’t expect to be the center of attention. You understand that everyone has a story, a background, and talents that are just as valuable as your own.
Therefore, humble people don’t see themselves as superior to others. They’re genuinely open to learning from anyone, regardless of who they are.
Imagine a person who constantly emphasizes their achievements and flaunts their knowledge. While their resume may be impressive, this self-centered approach can alienate others, pushing them away rather than drawing them closer.
Conversely, a person who naturally practices humility, and isn’t self-centered, builds stronger connections. If humility is part of your character, you set the stage for meaningful influence without even needing to try.
Showing Humility – The Outward Choice of Humble Actions
While being humble is largely about your character, showing humility is an intentional behavior. It’s a conscious decision to put others at ease, set your ego aside, and demonstrate respect. Think of showing humility as the outward reflection of your inner mindset.
Even if humility isn’t your natural instinct, you can still choose to act in ways that honor others. For example, instead of taking all the credit for a job well done, you could share the credit with others.
Or take responsibility when something has gone wrong instead of trying to place blame on someone else. If you can show humility, you are outwardly showing that you prioritize other people.
Why Humility Strengthens Influence
Humility might seem weird today, when we are often encouraged to self-promote and stand out from the rest. Yet, if you want to be influential, it is less about drawing attention to yourself and more about inspiring others. Humility does this in two powerful ways.
Firstly, it builds trust. When people see that you’re not self-centered and that you genuinely care about them, they feel more inclined to trust you. By being humble and showing humility, you create an environment where others feel safe to express themselves openly, which naturally deepens their connection to you.
Secondly, humble leaders and influencers know that great ideas often come from collaboration, not just from any one person’s brilliance. When you’re open to input and willing to credit others, you encourage a sense of teamwork.
If all these people are made to feel respected and valued, they will usually try to give you their best! This can be a driving force in building a loyal and motivated network around you.
Practical Ways to Be Humble and Show Humility
Like all qualities, these traits can be developed with practice. Here are a few practical steps to help you.
Acknowledge Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Being humble doesn’t mean you downplay your achievements or pretend you’re less capable than you are. Admit when you don’t know something.
It’s natural to want to appear knowledgeable, but being willing to admit gaps in your knowledge shows confidence and integrity. It also gives others the opportunity to share their own experiences and achievements.
Listen More Than You Speak
I love the saying, ‘Take the cotton wool out of your ears and put it in your mouth.’ Remember it, because one of the easiest ways to demonstrate humility is by actively listening. Give others the space to share their thoughts and perspectives without feeling the need to dominate the conversation.
So when others speak, listen fully without interrupting or thinking about what you want to say next. By asking thoughtful questions you are showing you are truly interested in what they have to say.
Be Honest About Your Mistakes and Avoid the Need to Impress
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone admits to them. Taking responsibility when things go wrong is a powerful way to show humility. Plus, while you are at it, avoid the need to impress to make up for any mistake! Although it’s only natural to want to make a good impression, trying too hard to impress others can backfire. People appreciate real people who are sincere. They don’t appreciate self-promoters.
If you want to strengthen your influence over others, it isn’t about choosing between being humble and showing humility, it’s about balancing both. Together, they create a powerful combination that boosts your ability to influence in a positive, respectful way.
That’s why, in a world full of posturing and pretense, being humble and showing humility stands out. When you show that you’re real and approachable, people are more likely to trust and like you, which naturally increases your ability to influence them.
