The root of humility is in the service of the seniors—elderly or old persons. When one renders honest service to elders, one learns the worth of humility. By serving the old people (or elders), one gains true knowledge.
Consider the story of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Even as Walmart grew into a retail giant, Walton remained deeply connected to his roots, often seeking advice from senior employees and industry veterans. His humility and respect for the wisdom of his elders played a crucial role in shaping Walmart’s culture of service and efficiency. Walton’s practice of learning from the experiences of older, seasoned individuals helped Walmart become the world’s largest retailer.
On the contrary, consider the case of Lehman Brothers. Richard Fuld, the CEO, was known for his aggressive and often dismissive attitude towards advice from senior advisors and industry experts. This arrogance and lack of respect for the insights of experienced professionals contributed to risky business decisions and ultimately led to the firm’s catastrophic bankruptcy in 2008. The failure to value the wisdom of elders in the industry was a significant factor in Lehman Brothers’ downfall.
These examples illustrate how serving and learning from elders can profoundly impact a company’s trajectory. Embracing the knowledge and experience of senior individuals can foster humility, leading to better decision-making and sustainable growth.
Reflecting on these stories, how do you think companies can better incorporate the wisdom of experienced professionals into their strategies? Can you think of other instances where valuing or disregarding elder wisdom has significantly impacted a business? Share your thoughts and let’s explore how learning from the past can shape a better future for businesses.