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It's no secret that military professionals are for the most part very humble. We have a hard time talking about ourselves or accepting "that-a-boys" from people. While being humble is a good thing is there a point where you can be overly-humble allowing others to take credit for something you did or causing you to be overshadowed by someone else's lesser work?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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False humility is very offensive SGT Ben Keen. I expect we have all witnessed examples of false humility usually on the part of superiors or more frequently service members who held the same rank or similar duty positions. I have rarely seen false humility on the part of subordinates; but, in every instance I( was offended by displays of false humility and hope that I have never been falsely humble.
I would be interested in your thoughts on this topic; LTC Stephen C., CPT L S, CW5 (Join to see), CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW3 (Join to see), SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT (Join to see), SGT Robert Hawks, SPC (Join to see), SPC Margaret Higgins, PO3 Steven Sherrill, SGT Randal Groover
I would be interested in your thoughts on this topic; LTC Stephen C., CPT L S, CW5 (Join to see), CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW3 (Join to see), SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT (Join to see), SGT Robert Hawks, SPC (Join to see), SPC Margaret Higgins, PO3 Steven Sherrill, SGT Randal Groover
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CW5 (Join to see)
I humbly agree, LTC Stephen F.. Regarding too much humility ... I think that phenomenon does exist. There does come a point when you have to stand up for yourself or you will be walked over. I saw that a lot in my military career. Humility should never equal weakness.
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LTC Stephen F.
CW5 (Join to see) Your initial comment is wonderfully simple and made me laugh. I concur with your comments after that.
Be it ever so humble, there is nothing quite like self-deprecation:-)
Be it ever so humble, there is nothing quite like self-deprecation:-)
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SGT Ben Keen
LTC Stephen F. - I think the idea of "false-humility" is a great point. We sometimes say what we think people want to hear. We throw about statements such as "I'm truly humbled..." or whatever yet when asked further the person may not truly be humbled at all.
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SGT (Join to see)
SGT Ben Keen, LTC Stephen F., CW5 (Join to see), I personally equate being too humble with ass kissing. I've seen ass kissing to the max, in the military, and at my job in civilian life. It makes me sick when someone is going overboard with their humility and it's as clear as a bell that's what they are doing. But, that's just me.
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>is there a point where you can be overly-humble allowing others to take credit for something you did or causing you to be overshadowed by someone else's lesser work?
I don't think that matters so much - I've always said that as long as the job gets done, that's the important part.
The point for me to not be "overly humble" is to NOT make the other person upset. I'd hate for someone to say "Thank you for your service" and seem ungrateful because I was too humble to acknowledge their accolade! We at least need to be polite and ack with a smile - and even a short response - "Thank you for your support!". And if someone comes to me and says "Hey - you did all the work and that other jack-wagon is getting credit for it!" - that is not a battle I will undertake - I just let that go. My reward will be given later - and not in this world.
I don't think that matters so much - I've always said that as long as the job gets done, that's the important part.
The point for me to not be "overly humble" is to NOT make the other person upset. I'd hate for someone to say "Thank you for your service" and seem ungrateful because I was too humble to acknowledge their accolade! We at least need to be polite and ack with a smile - and even a short response - "Thank you for your support!". And if someone comes to me and says "Hey - you did all the work and that other jack-wagon is getting credit for it!" - that is not a battle I will undertake - I just let that go. My reward will be given later - and not in this world.
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I am just starting to get into the Service Officer biz and I have found that Veterans, in general, consider themselves to be better off than any other vet. I have seen a guy in a wheelchair say he "got off easy". I think the VA takes advantage of this mind set and that's why a lot of folks that should have 60%+ disability actually have 30%-.
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SGT Ben Keen
Interesting point of view SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.. I wonder if there is a connection between being overly-humble and lower disability ratings. Never really gave that one thought before.
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
In all my years at VA one truth can be told, non-combat vets are the ones who yell and scream PTSD the most and demand our nation go and kill all the SOBs. Many, many Korean/WWII/Viet Nam combat vets were quiet and grateful to be seen. They know the horrors of combat and don't wish it upon anyone. The few younger combat veterans I have seen are more easily frustrated by the system and get angry more quickly, enough to just walk away from their benefit. This being said, I agree many are short changed when it comes to their benefits.
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Suspended Profile
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. I did VSO work for 4 years. I appreciate your realization of the process. It's vital to know about all the maladies facing vets, and their subordinate conditions, so you can aggressively pursue their claims... You are going to learn more about medicine than you ever imagined...
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