Harvey Mackay Column- Humility Is Power
In this opinion column, Harvey Mackay reviews Ethan Willis’s book Humble Power: Less Ego, More Impact, Better Results. Mackay opens with a vivid anecdote about a self‑absorbed CEO being stopped by a guard, using it to illustrate a cultural shift toward self‑interest. He then introduces Willis’s thesis that humility is a powerful leadership asset, supported by stories ranging from MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s low‑key habits to a dying father’s quiet dignity, a NASA scientist’s moon‑mapping work, and the biblical David‑Goliath narrative. Willis argues that humility stems from two core beliefs—our perspective is limited and there is a purpose beyond ourselves—which foster openness, curiosity, and resilience, leading to listening, learning, and serving. The book is organized into three sections: Personal Humility, Relational Humility, and Leading with Humble Power, each offering practical guidance on reducing ego to achieve greater impact and sustainable results. Mackay emphasizes the distinction between genuine humility and false self‑deprecation, and concludes with his moral that humility makes us feel smaller as we grow greater.
Topics
The Guard Anecdote: A Snapshot of Ego‑Driven Leadership
Mackay recounts a CEO being stopped by a security guard, highlighting the rise of self‑centered attitudes in corporate culture.
Shohei Ohtani: Elite Performance Coupled with Humble Habits
Illustrates how a top‑earning athlete demonstrates humility through simple actions like filling water cups, reinforcing Willis’s claim that humility fuels success.
Core Beliefs that Seed Humility: Limited Perspective & Higher Purpose
Explains Willis’s foundational premise that recognizing our shallow viewpoint and a purpose beyond self cultivates openness, curiosity, and resilience.
Three Pillars of Humble Power: Personal, Relational, and Leadership
Outlines the book’s structure—personal humility clears the path for better goals, relational humility builds collaboration and forgiveness, and leading with humble power amplifies others rather than diminishing self.
Historical & Personal Illustrations of Humble Power
Stories of Mackay’s dying father, a NASA moon‑mapping scientist, and the David‑Goliath tale serve as timeless examples of humility driving impact.
Distinguishing Genuine Humility from Phony Self‑Deprecation
Clarifies the difference between authentic humility and superficial self‑deprecation, emphasizing humility as a sincere, expansive force multiplier.
Mackay’s Moral: Humility Shrinks the Self as Greatness Grows
Concludes with the author’s takeaway that humility is the precious quality enabling personal growth while feeling smaller.