Can you be overly-humble?

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:40:36 -0400

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?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 10:42 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:42:07 -0400

I don't see anything wrong with being over humble. But there does become a point where one would just seem like a bitch. I'm proud of what I've done and I don't want throw it in other people's faces.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 10 at 2015 10:42 AM

SPC David S. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:42:31 -0400

I'm not sure but if it is, it's definitely a thin line.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Aug 10 at 2015 10:44 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:44:40 -0400

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%-.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 10 at 2015 11:08 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:08:20 -0400

>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.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 10 at 2015 11:53 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:53:04 -0400

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 Private RallyPoint Member, CW5 Charlie Poulton, CW3 Private RallyPoint Member, SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Robert Hawks, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Margaret Higgins, PO3 Steven Sherrill, SGT Randal Groover

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 2:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:22:50 -0400

I believe good leaders are capable of showing the full spectrum of emotions when it is appropriate. Sometimes leaders need to make a quick and bold decision.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 10 at 2015 5:33 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:33:54 -0400

If I feel someone is too humble, I feel that they are faking it and are not really humble at all...so yes...however there are people like myself and few others who are always humble to a fault...and since I'm consistent with my humbleness and it's not forced or it's not a thought in my head first..meaning I don't have to think about it .....it just comes naturally......it's pure and natural humbleness and humility, then yes...some people who do not know me may think I'm being too humble...but I'd rather be too humble than not all or insincere about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 6:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 18:47:26 -0400

Im a pretty humble guy when it comes to most things in life. But being humble has always granted me underlying respect before people have even spoken to me.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 10 at 2015 7:14 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 19:14:14 -0400

I really like what SGT Ben Keen said; LTC Stephen F.. And I really like what Albert Einstein said; LTC Ford.
You could not be falsely humble if you tried; LTC Ford.
My problem is, LTC Ford, that I trust too easily. I could not tell if someone were being falsely humble or not. Are there ways to know, LTC Ford?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 11 at 2015 12:29 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:29:06 -0400

We all have an ego and sometimes we need to strut for all to see. It's actually called confidence