The Hidden Figures Series – Episode 3

Last week, we explored a quality the world needs plenty of, and that is peacemaking! Today, I am delighted to touch on another I value greatly. Because it is one of the most admirable qualities a person can embody, and it is humility. What it means to be humble is heavily misunderstood. Some portray it as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, or insecurity. But these are all misconceptions. Being humble is considering and often prioritizing the interests of others. It requires viewing oneself realistically, including strengths and weaknesses, and being confident with a checked ego.
When we examine the attributes we value most in a friend, life partner, employee, coworker, or leader, humility is often at the top of the rung. And like many, I am mesmerized by people who display this quality.

To better illustrate this, I’ll share an experience.

A new opportunity

During the 2020 pandemic, at the behest of my physical therapist, I became a member of a new health club. I loved going there because it got me out of the house bright and early! And I chose that particular gym because it felt private – secure, spacious, and stocked with updated top-of-the-line equipment. Whenever I walked into the gym, I saw the usual suspects., i.e., No more than five people like me who seemed to have lost their minds and thought it better to get out of their warm beds and lift weights at 5:00 AM. Rather than sleep in! 😉

However, I quickly encountered a challenge: Gyms seem to be cesspools, and during the pandemic, I felt they were home to the Coronavirus! Therefore, I needed the facility to be extremely spacious and clean consistently. Yep! I am that gym member who wipes down every piece of equipment before I touch it and when I leave it. Thereby extending my gym time by ten or so minutes. 😊 But during the pandemic, my mild cleaning obsession was at an all-time high! Fortunately, I also noticed a particular member of the custodial team was fiercely committed to keeping the gym spick and span. Later, I learned his name was Rodrigo!

A humble example

In my book, Rodrigo is a rock star! During the pandemic, he was viciously sweeping, vacuuming, mopping floors, and wiping equipment up, down, at the sides, behind, and underneath! It seemed Rodrigo was committed to ensuring that Coronaviruses did not have an opportunity to linger within the premises. And I was incredibly grateful to him! After the pandemic, as people emerged from their hiding places, aka homes, 5:00 AM gym attendance quickly rose! It went from our small band of 5 musketeers to a crew of 20 to 30.
All the while, Rodrigo remained committed to doing what no one could do as well as he did, i.e., keep us safe and comfortable.

Unfortunately, I noticed that people often walk by Rodrigo like he is a puff of air, as tends to happen when one fills a role that others do not think is grand. But often, such individuals are hidden figures―unseen yet immensely valuable!

The Humble Player

In the gym, if the General Manager walked in, many might rush to rub shoulders with her. – Because we tend to ascribe the perceived value of a title to the holder. But to me, Rodrigo is the MVP because of his character, regardless of his title.
Several times, at 4:45 in the morning, I have seen him running to the gym! Whether the bus dropped him off nearby or his spouse did, I do not know. But at those times, when I see him, I feel a heightened level of safety. And it is not lost on me that I feel that way from someone who does not toot his horn. Instead, he often humbly extends a hand, makes others feel seen, and wears many hats to keep others safe and comfortable.
Admittedly, I do not know Rodrigo personally: I do not know where he lives or what his deepest dreams are. However, on those chilly mornings at the gym, when I see him, I see a man who knows that others matter. – He is invaluable because he is humble. And he is humble because he prioritizes the needs of others.

Friend, daily and sometimes weekly, we walk by hidden figures. They pass us by like a gust of wind. Throughout the holiday season, we will see many. I hope we take a moment to truly see them, acknowledge them, and let them know they matter. Perhaps hand them a thoughtful handwritten note, attentively listen to them, or greet them first.
Here is a nod to the many Rodrigos who help others feel seen, safe, and comfortable!

Until next time!

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pixabay | Claudio Duart-Designer