Humility in the family business

After a bold strategy that plays on the enemy’s fear, the small army of Gideon has the larger Midianite army on the run. As he chases them across the country, the men of Ephraim help by capturing and killing two princes of Midian. But the Ephraimites are upset:

Then the men of Ephraim said to him (Gideon), “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this. (Judges 8:1-3)

Instead of expressing gratitude for Gideon chasing the Midianites into their hands, the Ephraimites complain about being excluded by Gideon in holding their persecutors to account. But Gideon, instead of arguing with them, shaming them, defending his efforts, or touting his courage, says that their capture of the two princes was more important than his efforts. By focusing on what they did accomplish (versus what they didn’t do), by avoiding a focus on himself, Gideon elevates their contribution above his. He reframes their role. He gives them the credit. It is one of Gideon’s finest acts of leadership.

There are lots of heroic efforts in family businesses. From accomplishing time-sensitive activities critical to the business, to serving customers under difficult circumstances, to responding to the immediate needs and crises of family members, each family business partner can point to their own efforts to save the day. A lesson from Gideon is how we might positively focus on the efforts of others, even if they “accuse us fiercely.” C.S. Lewis wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

When have you witnessed another person’s humility? How do you remind yourself to act with humility, especially when under fire in the family business?