Article 21: Defining Meekness

In the previous blog, I outlined how you can craft your House Of Leadership (HOL) created by J.R. Flatter. Remember, each home is crafted to the unique specifications of the owner. To start constructing your home, you must create intentional thinking time to reflect on who you are as a leader. The first part of developing your HOL is finding and setting the foundation. What will the bedrock or foundation of your leadership philosophy stand on? This element is the most important piece in any leadership philosophy and must not be rushed. My goal in this blog is to share with you my leadership foundation using the acronym MEEK. The McMillion HOL is rooted in meekness.

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come, and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

Matthew 7:24-27

What Is Meekness?

So what is meekness anyway? Webster's dictionary defines meekness as "the quality or state of being meek: a mild, moderate, humble, or submissive quality." My definition of meekness is slightly different. You, the leader, command your organization with humility, understanding, and gratitude (HUG). To achieve this, leaders must actively listen and create a shield wall to protect their team from the dangers of the outside environment. Being an infantry officer by trade, meekness is not the first thing that would come to someone's mind as the bedrock for a leadership foundation. However, this characteristic is the driving force behind my leadership style, and I discovered reading the book "Jesus CEO." I reflected on the question, "How did one man impact the world so greatly that we record time in his name?" I discovered my foundation of leading with love through those reflective thinking periods.

Meekness Is Not Weakness

Jesus is the lion, but he is also the lamb, and as a leader, you need to strive for both! Throughout my military experience, I have been blessed with numerous leadership positions. In these positions, I was directly responsible for the well-being of our greatest national resource, the men and women of this great nation! I consistently led with meekness and would clearly state, "Do not misunderstand my empathy and humility for weakness; I will demand excellence from you and hold you to the same standards I hold myself." Think of it like this: strength under control. Leaders wield large amounts of power in the organization. However, Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) rarely use the power and authority granted by their position. Instead, they empower others and build trust by learning to control their positional authority. When PALs lead with meekness, it allows them to forge stronger bonds and develop deep professional relationships.

Joshua K. McMillion

The job of a leader is building relationships, but the currency to develop them is trust.

Engaged Listening

If you want to grow, then give. If you wish to lead well, you must listen. The only way you can listen is to quiet your mind. Leaders feel obligated to speak constantly, but you must strive to listen to your organization. Be a leader that speaks with purpose and power. When leaders speak from the heart, their team will listen and, as a result, begin to create head, heart, and hand alignment. Learning to listen to others actively will give you a deeper understanding of your organization's concerns and how to overcome obstacles together. Once you clearly understand the concerns, you can act decisively with a "come and see confidence" with HUG at your core. PALs tap into transformational listening and look for the whispers from their organization. Whispers are subtle hints through words, tone, body positions, or expressions that allow leaders to understand something is wrong.

Evaluate The Moment

As a leader, there is a time and place when you must command and take decisive action. When that time comes, you will know, but those times are rare. An example of this was during my platoon leader's time in Afghanistan. During a recon by fire, my platoon was ambushed by over 100 Taliban fighters. There was no time to listen or be compassionate; there was only decisive action. However, after those exceptional events, I quickly returned to my HOL foundation. Meekness shines after those rare events. Why? Because you quickly move away from positional authority and toward people, resulting in deeper bonds. Meekness is quiet confidence aligned with mighty deeds. The worst thing a leader can do is say all the right things and actively do the opposite. The worst yet is when leaders take credit for their team's performance. Remember the Rule Of Refraction and bend the spotlights from yourself onto those that deserve the praise. PALs understand when to be seen and heard. In those moments, they unleash their full strength and will help their teams win.

Keep A Servant Heart

First, have a repentant heart. This means you must understand it is not about you and your performance. It is about the organization's legacy because if the organization is successful, you will be successful. Transitional leaders suffer from heartening of the heart, which will cause them to fail to complete their leadership journey. Second, have a receptive mind "Head" that actively listens and implements others' ideas. Often, the best solution within the organization is from team members, not in leadership roles. Highlight those moments of brilliance and build them up. Third, lead with action "Hand" and follow through with your words! This comes down to a simple quote from my battalion commander during a live-fire exercise, "Deeds, not words."

Joshua K. McMillion

This photo was taken right before I left Alabama and started my next adventure in the army. One thing I have failed to do in my career is take pictures of the amazing teams I've been a part of over the past 16 years. Deeds, not words!

Final Thoughts

Leading with meekness is hard, but you will build an organization that will stand the test of time. Your organization's legacy will live beyond you and spur others to follow in your footsteps. The hardest part of leading with meekness is not actively forcing your position but listening and implementing policies with HUG. When leaders create a safe work environment that highlights others' success, the leader wins, the team wins, and the organization wins. As a result, momentum is built, and winning becomes routine. PALs understand that today's world requires a different leader who leads with love regardless of profession.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

-Matthew 11:28-30

After Action Review

1.  What is possible when you lead with love?

2. What can you start doing to become a better listener?

3. How can you prevent the hardening of your heart?

4. What is your foundation?

---

My Mission: I will end toxic leadership practices by equipping leaders with transformational leadership skills. 

Together, we will impact 1 MILLION lives!!!

Every day is a gift, don't waste yours!

Joshua K. McMillion | Founder MLC | Founder MLC

---

More Exclusive Content