When you achieve something 
big like a college diploma, your ego is bound to be big and happy. For a millennial graduate, you’ve got a paper proving how special you are. No one should knock that.
But most achievements set you up for starting over, and this is when you really want to check in with your attitude. It’s a paradox: by embracing humility, you will make yourself stand out.
- You’re not the majority.
Your status as a college graduate puts you squarely in the minority. Did you know that almost two-thirds of American adults have no higher education? This means that most people will not share your learning experiences or training. Humility is the understanding that what you have achieved does not make you better; it makes you different.
- Leave the screen.
So how do you connect to the people and resources you need for success at the next level? Meredith Vieira gave some practical advice about humility to Boston University graduates this month that’s worth mentioning: “If you want to get your foot in the door, it helps to get your fingers off your smartphones, look people in the eye, engage. You want people to actually like you, not just give you ‘likes.’ Ultimately, your future is in the hands of humans, not electronic devices.”
- Be an authentic chameleon.
For greater humility in your interpersonal relationships, strive to be an authentic chameleon. That’s my term for the sweet spot between humility and confidence. It the smart development of your social intelligence. The authentic chameleon knows how to read people and situations for the right level of humility and confidence to create a maximum connection.
One example is Diana Nyad, Her mental toughness and strength got her across the finish line; in humility, she invited others to share the moment of celebration.
- Believe and you don’t have to prove.
Humility does not mean humiliation. It is anchored by quiet confidence—the trust in your inner compass—which is common advice from commencement speakers.
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice,” Steve Jobs said in his famous address to Stanford graduates. “And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
Your Game Changer Takeaway
People in the C-suite consider a college graduate much like a drafted football or baseball player. The foundation is there, the potential is exciting, the person is prepared and positioned well. But there’s no experience in the pro leagues yet – a perfect time to be an authentic chameleon to bridge the gap.
When you walk off campus with your diploma, determine to be a sponge, be curious, be respectful and grateful. Recognizing that you have a lot to do to be special at the next level will automatically put you ahead of other millennials who lack humility. This is a key to becoming your best self as you seek the purpose and success meant expressly for you.
Molly Fletcher helps inspire and equip game changers to lead well and with purpose. Her book, “A Winner’s Guide to Negotiating: How Conversation Gets Deals Done” (McGraw-Hill, 2014), draws on her decades as a sports agent and negotiator on behalf of pro athletes, coaches and broadcasters. You can follow her on Twitter @MollyFletcher.
