Introduction
In the two previous articles, we explored the importance of wisdom in contemporary leadership success. Sternberg and Glück argue that wisdom comprises three interrelated components common across all cultures: cognitive, affective, and reflective, all highly developed in mature alchemist leaders. Cognitive wisdom involves the application of knowledge and experience to solve problems and make decisions. Affective wisdom relates to emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion. Reflective wisdom, the focus of this article, involves deep insight, critical self-reflection, and humility.
Cognitive and Affective Wisdom in Leadership
The earlier articles, "Harnessing Hydras — Wisdom from Myth" and "Creating Galatea — the Transformative Power of Agape," explored the importance of cognitive and affective wisdom in leadership. In "Harnessing Hydras," we examined how myths such as those of Odysseus, Anansi the Spider, and Hercules demonstrated the application of mature cognitive wisdom to navigate complex challenges. Cognitive wisdom, grounded in ethics and characterised by the application of lived experience, judgment, and reasoning, emerged as a crucial pillar for making robust strategic decisions. These qualities enable leaders to understand and respond to intricate organisational dynamics, foresee emerging market opportunities, anticipate risks, and create long-term value.
In "Creating Galatea," we delved into affective wisdom's emotional, aesthetic, and relational dimensions. We explored how affective wisdom, characterised by benevolence, compassion, and a positive mindset, enables leaders to connect deeply with their colleagues, foster a trusting and ethical organisational culture, and inspire and motivate others. Through the lens of myths and legends such as Hiawatha, Prometheus, La Llorona, and Pygmalion, the article emphasises the transformative power of agape, selfless love that is wholeheartedly committed to the well-being of others to deliver seemingly impossible results. It also observed that the leaders we admire seek to serve the greater good rather than be self-absorbed.
The Role of Reflective Wisdom
Building on this foundation, the final two articles focus on reflective wisdom. Reflective wisdom is a crucial element in leadership that involves deep self-awareness, critical self-examination, and humility. Reflective wisdom empowers leaders to have a clear, unbiased view of complex situations, understand their abilities, be open to new ideas and possibilities, and have the profound motivation to learn.
Humility is a critical enabler of the other attributes of reflective wisdom. Indeed, many cultures teach about the perils of pride and encourage humility, viewing it as an orienting principle that can help people live a virtuous and successful life. Its cross-cultural importance is highlighted in stories such as 'Journey to the West', where the arrogant Monkey King seeks to be elevated to immortal sage, causes trouble in Heaven, and is imprisoned for his pride under a mountain for 500 years. Or the myth of Quetzalcoatl, whose pride led to him being tricked by his wicked brother Tezcatlipoca, succumbs to drunkenness, and abandons his people, plunging the world into chaos.
In the West, pride is typically viewed as the most heinous of all sins and is closely associated with Christian teachings. In John Milton's "Paradise Lost," the fall begins with Satan's rebellion against God. Cast out of Heaven, Satan and his followers plot to corrupt humanity. Satan enters Eden, disguised as a serpent, and tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by appealing to her curiosity and vanity, telling her that it will make her like God. She eats it and convinces Adam to do the same. This act results in their expulsion from Eden and the introduction of sin, death, and suffering into the world. Both Satan's fall and the fall of man are driven by pride, underscoring the timeless message: pride precedes a fall. This is echoed in modern times by examples like Fred "the Shred" Goodwin, whose overconfidence and aggressive expansion strategies prior to the financial crisis led to the downfall of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Indeed, theologian Derek Prince suggests there is something of a universal spiritual law: whoever exhibits pride will be humbled, and whoever is humble will be exalted.
Given its cultural significance, this article focuses solely on exploring humility narratives and their relevance to successful contemporary leadership. Delving into these timeless lessons reveals how humility can guide us towards more ethical and effective leadership in today's complex world.
One definition of humility commonly used in Western Christian teachings comes from C.S. Lewis' 'Mere Christianity' — humility is "not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less." He argues that true humility is about having a realistic view of self in relationship to others, and it involves genuine concern for the well-being of others, irrespective of personal gain. This perspective broadly aligns with Sternberg and Glück's view on mature wisdom, which emphasises balancing interests for the common good and focusing on serving the wider society. Sternberg and Glück, however, delve deeper into individual characteristics, such as recognising one's limitations, being open to the views of others, and enhancing collective well-being.
Leadership lessons from myths about humility are rich, covering multiple aspects of the construct beyond the meta principle "pride goes before a fall." This article will focus on three timeless stories: Arachne, Gilgamesh, and the Holy Grail, exploring the nature of pride and the importance of humility in contemporary leadership.
Leadership Lessons from Myth
Arachne
Arachne, a remarkably talented weaver from Lydia in ancient Greece, captivated people with her extraordinary artistry. Her tapestries drew admirers from far and wide, including nymphs who marvelled at her creations and the elegance with which her fingers danced across the loom. The nymphs believed Athena had bestowed this gift upon her, but Arachne denied any divine influence. Determined to receive proper credit, Athena visited Arachne to see if her arrogance matched the rumours. Disguised as an old peasant woman, Athena appeared feeble with age. She advised Arachne to heed the wisdom of her elders and show respect to Athena for her exceptional skill, cautioning that it was unwise to disrespect the goddess who had granted her such talents.
Arachne, however, dismissed the advice and defiantly challenged Athena to a weaving contest. Revealing her true identity, Athena accepted the challenge. Athena's tapestry depicted her contest with Poseidon for the patronage of Athens, highlighting her victory and the gods' wisdom. Each corner of her flawless work portrayed mortals punished for excessive hubris. Instead of heeding the warning, Arachne wove a tapestry showcasing the gods at their worst, including scenes of Zeus' and Poseidon's philandering. Athena, seeing that Arachne's skill matched her own, was furious not because her technical prowess was equalled but because of Arachne's blatant disrespect for the gods.
Athena tore Arachne's tapestry to shreds and struck her on the head with her shuttle. Arachne's defiant spirit finally broke, and she was overcome with shame and despondency, hanging herself from one of her threads. Moved by pity, Athena saved Arachne from certain death but, unable to let her go unpunished, sprinkled her with one of Hecate's potions, transforming Arachne into a spider. Thus, Arachne was granted life but condemned to dangle from a single thread, weaving for eternity.
Lessons from Arachne
This myth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris. Athena allows Arachne to continue weaving, perhaps out of admiration for her skill, indicating she did not see someone who matched her capability as a threat. Instead, the punishment was for Arachne's arrogance in believing she was untouchable, undermining the gods, and failing to acknowledge that her skills were god-given.
Successful leaders recognise colleagues' significant role in their success — enriching their experience and developing their skills and abilities. Leaders need to be humble enough to acknowledge the mentorship they have received, respect and seek the experience of those with more significant expertise and recognise and value the contributions of their colleagues, regardless of status. Importantly, leaders should also understand that collaborating with those who are equally or more skilful can lead to greater mutual growth and success rather than viewing them as competitive threats. Rather than seeking solitary dominance, thriving together fosters a more robust and innovative environment, ensuring differentiating edges stay sharp.
Failing to follow this guidance has significant costs. Leaders who build a reputation for prideful arrogance risk eroding their brand. Over time, this behaviour damages trust and loyalty, isolating the leader and diminishing their impact.
In the real world, prideful arrogance has destroyed many careers. One recent and well-known example is Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. Holmes, who dropped out of Stanford, claimed to have developed the technology to revolutionise blood testing with minimal blood samples and quickly became a billionaire. In 2015, Theranos was valued at $9 billion.
However, investigations revealed that Theranos' technology was flawed. Holmes obstructed scrutiny, displaying arrogance and defiance. By 2016, Forbes revised her net worth to zero, and Fortune listed her among "The World's 19 Most Disappointing Leaders." In 2018, Holmes and Theranos' COO, Ramesh Balwani, were charged with fraud for misleading investors. Holmes settled by paying a $500,000 fine and accepting a ten-year ban from being an officer or director of a public company.
In 2022, Holmes was further charged with fraud and convicted, receiving over 11 years in prison. Her case underscores the severe consequences of a "fake it until you make it" mentality. The Theranos scandal, one of the most significant white-collar crimes in U.S. history, involved nearly $700 million in investor fraud, highlighting the dangers of pride and deceit overshadowing transparency and ethics in business.
The stories of Arachne and Holmes highlight the long-term costs of hubris. Let's now delve into the epic of Gilgamesh and his journey from tyrant to enlightened leader, exploring key lessons for contemporary leaders, focusing on the importance of free will and recognising one's limitations.
Gilgamesh
Dating from around 2100 BCE, the oldest surviving legend in human history, the Epic of Gilgamesh, tells the story of a king named Gilgamesh who ruled the ancient city of Uruk. Born two-thirds divine and one-third mortal, the tyrannical king possessed extraordinary strength and wisdom. Gilgamesh's oppressive reign caused endless suffering among his people, who cried out to the gods for relief. To temper Gilgamesh's hubris, the God Anu created Enkidu, a wild man of equal strength.
Enkidu lived among the animals and was untouched by civilisation until the gods sent a temple priestess, Shamhat, to tame him. Shamhat, symbolising the transformative power of culture, introduced Enkidu to the ways of humanity, teaching him about food, drink, companionship, and intimacy. Hearing of Gilgamesh's wickedness and with this newfound knowledge, Enkidu set out to confront the king.
When Enkidu arrived in Uruk, he found Gilgamesh preparing to exercise droit du seigneur — the royal prerogative to have sex with a newly wedded bride on her wedding night. Enkidu blocked Gilgamesh's path, outraged by this abuse of power, and the two men grappled in a fierce struggle. Gilgamesh ultimately overpowered Enkidu, but the battle left both men in awe of each other's strength and spirit. This confrontation marked the beginning of a deep and transformative friendship.
With their bond solidified, Gilgamesh and Enkidu embarked on a series of adventures, seeking to make their mark on the world. Their first great quest was to the Cedar Forest, a sacred realm forbidden to mortals. The fearsome Humbaba guarded the Cedar Forest at the behest of the God Enlil. Humbaba, symbolising chaos and the untamed natural world, had a face made of intestines, a breath so foul that it caused death, and a roar that petrified anyone who approached.
Undeterred by omens and warnings sent by the gods and driven by a desire for eternal fame, Gilgamesh and Enkidu journeyed deep into the Cedar Forest. Humbaba, sensing their approach, confronted them. Gilgamesh panicked and prayed to the sun god Shamash, symbolising light, justice, and order, for help. Even with the sun god's help, the battle was intense, but the duo finally managed to subdue Humbaba. Though Humbaba pleaded for his life, Gilgamesh, overwhelmed by his pride and the lure of glory, decapitated him. This act of hubris, disregarding the divine order, sowed the seeds of future travesty.
Their victory brought fame and attracted the attention of the goddess Ishtar, who proposed marriage to Gilgamesh. Proud and dismissive, Gilgamesh rejected her advances, recounting the mistreatment of her former lovers — Ishtar, for example, turned one into a bird with broken wings. Enraged by the insult and rejection, Ishtar sent the Bull of Heaven to punish Gilgamesh and his city. When the Bull of Heaven descended upon Uruk, it caused widespread devastation. The bull's presence brought earthquakes, and its breath dried up the Euphrates River, creating a severe drought. As the bull rampaged through the city, it created massive fissures in the ground, which swallowed vast numbers of people. Gilgamesh and Enkidu coordinated their attack on the bull. Enkidu grabbed the bull by its tail and immobilised it, and Gilgamesh struck it with a fatal blow to the neck.
The gods, angered by the deaths of Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, decreed that either Gilgamesh or Enkidu must die for these transgressions. They chose Enkidu, who was stricken by a dreadful illness. Enkidu endured great suffering, lamenting his existence before accepting the inevitability of death. His death symbolises the cost of hubris, the importance of grasping experience to live a full life, and the idea of redemption for past sins.
Enkidu's death plunged Gilgamesh into profound grief and despair, awakening him to his own mortality. Determined to escape the same fate, Gilgamesh embarked on a quest for immortality, seeking Utnapishtim, the sole survivor of the great floods to whom the gods had granted eternal life. His journey was fraught with dangers and important discoveries. He first faced and then slew lions in a mountain pass, a testament to his courage and resolve. As he pressed on, he reached the Mountains of Mashu, where he encountered a scorpion man and his wife, whose bodies flashed with terrifying radiance. After explaining his purpose, they allowed him to pass.
Gilgamesh wanders through a pitch-dark tunnel for twelve days, a symbolic journey through his subconscious, before finally emerging into the light of a beautiful garden by the sea. In this garden, he met Siduri, the divine innkeeper, who tried to dissuade him from his quest, urging him to accept the inevitability of death and find joy in life's simple pleasures. Undeterred and driven by his fear of mortality, Gilgamesh pressed on and met Urshanabi, the ferryman of the gods. With Urshanabi's help, he crossed the perilous waters of death and finally arrived at Utnapishtim's dwelling.
Upon arrival, Utnapishtim challenged Gilgamesh, not with a physical trial, but with a test of endurance: to stay awake for seven days. Despite his best efforts, Gilgamesh succumbed to sleep, failing the test and demonstrating the inescapable nature of human limitations.
Upon waking, Gilgamesh realised he had failed the test. Utnapishtim explained the impossibility of achieving immortality, but his wife, moved by compassion, persuaded her husband to reveal the location of a plant that could at least restore youth. Filled with hope, Gilgamesh retrieved the plant, but weary from his travels, he fell asleep again, leaving it unguarded. A serpent stole the plant, shedding its skin as it slithered away, symbolising renewal for the serpent but not for Gilgamesh. Despondent at this loss, Gilgamesh returned to Uruk, fully aware of his limitations.
Upon seeing the great walls he had built, he reflected on his legacy. Although he had not gained physical immortality, he found a measure of solace in the enduring achievements of his reign. Gilgamesh's journey from a tyrant limited by pride to an enlightened leader humbled by the inevitability of death teaches profound lessons. His experiences symbolise the transformative power of self-awareness, the value of life and friendship, and the wisdom gained from accepting one's limitations and mortality.
Lessons from Gilgamesh
For contemporary leadership, Gilgamesh's story highlights the risk of pride leading to tyranny and exemplifies the idea that "with great power comes great responsibility" (Uncle Ben, Spider-Man, 1962). At the beginning of the tale, Gilgamesh is corrupted by his power and position — engaging in forced labour and sexual indiscretions. With seniority comes a greater risk of falling in love with our egos, believing we have all the answers, reinforced by past successes and our elevated power. The result is often authoritarianism and deep isolation from the broader business and its challenges.
The most successful contemporary leaders have the humility to acknowledge the depth of their ignorance, staying informed by remaining fully connected with the experience and wisdom of their teams, customers, and key stakeholders. Indeed, Enkidu in the Gilgamesh story highlights the transformative power of connection and trusted relationships to inform and educate, underscoring the importance of building strong, supportive networks.
This lesson is exemplified by countless political tyrants, including Stalin, Gaddafi, Mao Zedong, Mugabe, Ceaușescu, and the Kim dynasty. In business, the story of Travis Kalanick, the co-founder and former CEO of Uber, highlights the point. As Uber grew, Kalanick's leadership style became increasingly authoritarian and aggressive. He fostered a highly competitive and toxic work environment and encouraged employees to push ethical boundaries. Uber's internal culture issues, including reports of sexual harassment and discrimination, highlighted the company's deep-rooted problems. Kalanick's involvement in public relations scandals, such as a viral video of him arguing with an Uber driver, further underscored his prideful arrogance. These issues led to public outrage and investor pushback, ultimately forcing Kalanick to resign as CEO in 2017. His downfall is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and unchecked authority, emphasising the need for ethical leadership and humility.
The impact of Gilgamesh's story lies in his evolution from tyranny and self-serving behaviour to enlightened leadership. Perhaps the most critical lesson for contemporary leaders is the humility to recognise the transient nature of success, its dependency on circumstances, and the support of others. Ultimately, we must all come to terms with our finite lifespans as leaders. For Gilgamesh, the entire epic centres on his journey to accept his mortality, realising that his legacy is defined by his service to the citizens of Uruk. His acceptance of mortality led to his transformation into a wiser, more enlightened ruler, promoting ethical and thoughtful leadership focused on future sustainability rather than immediate gratification.
Gilgamesh's journey and subsequent transformation are underpinned by his exercise of free will in his choices. Contemporary leaders must act on their power to choose between humility and pride. Throughout his journey, Gilgamesh exercised his free will at crucial junctures — choosing to enter the Cedar Forest despite warnings, rejecting Ishtar's advances, and embarking on a quest for immortality against all odds. These decisions illustrate the significant accountability that comes with free will and highlight its integral role in personal dignity and reaching one's full potential. For contemporary leaders, this underscores the importance of making informed decisions and accepting accountability for their outcomes. Exercising free will responsibly means acknowledging the potential impacts of one's choices and striving to make decisions that reflect a commitment to ethical behaviour and the greater good.
A contemporary example of a leader transforming like Gilgamesh is Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.'s co-founder. In the early years of Apple, Jobs was known for his demanding and often harsh management style. He was described as a perfectionist who drove his team relentlessly, creating a toxic work environment. His insistence on absolute control and high-pressure tactics led to conflicts within the company, ultimately resulting in his ousting in 1985.
After leaving Apple, Jobs founded NeXT and acquired Pixar. During this period, he developed a balanced leadership style — more collaborative and empathetic. When he returned to Apple in 1997, Jobs focused more on fostering innovation through collaboration and empowering his team while driving the highest possible standards for quality and design. Under his renewed leadership, Apple launched a series of groundbreaking products, including the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, transforming the technology industry. Jobs' transformation underscores the importance of free will, self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to change for the better.
Finally, the critical lesson that successful leaders have the deep humility necessary to learn from their experiences is integral to the Epic of Gilgamesh. We witness Gilgamesh transform as he builds maturity gradually over his entire journey through his victories, mistakes, reflections, joys, and sufferings. We will return to the theme of learning in later articles. Still, the takeaway is straightforward: embracing all experiences as opportunities for growth, particularly viewing errors as chances for development rather than failure, is critical in making the most of life's rich experiences.
Howard Schultz is a contemporary example of having the humility to learn from experience. As CEO of Starbucks, Schultz faced significant challenges, including rapid over-expansion and declining quality. Recognising his mistakes, he returned to Starbucks in 2008 during the financial crisis with a renewed focus on quality and ethical practices. He closed hundreds of stores, retrained employees, and reestablished Starbucks' commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing. Schultz's humility marked this transformative period in acknowledging past errors and his dedication to core values. Under his leadership, Starbucks recovered and thrived, adding billions to its market capitalisation and regaining its reputation. Schultz's journey underscores the importance of humility, learning from past errors, and staying connected to core values and stakeholders.
The Quest for the Holy Grail
The quest for the Holy Grail has been immortalised in numerous versions within Arthurian literature, each rich with religious symbolism. The Grail is typically depicted as the cup Christ used during the last supper [1]. This article centres on Chrétien de Troyes' "Perceval, or the Story of the Grail," composed in the late 12th century. This version is chosen for its profound symbolism marking Perceval's journey towards spiritual enlightenment [2].
Perceval, raised in the remote Welsh forests by his mother to protect him from the perils of knighthood, grows up naïve and unaware of the outside world. Fate intervenes when Perceval encounters a group of knights in the forest. Mistaking them for angels due to their shining armour, Perceval becomes enamoured by the idea of knighthood and decides to join King Arthur's court.
On his journey, Perceval meets a beautiful maiden in a tent. Mistaking the tent for a church, he enters and, following his mother's advice about courtly love, kisses the maiden without her consent and exchanges rings with her. This naïve and impulsive act causes a scandal and foreshadows the need for Perceval to understand the true nature of chivalry and honour.
Upon arriving at Camelot, Perceval's rustic appearance and lack of manners make him the subject of ridicule. When the fearsome Vermilion Knight, Sir Ither, challenges the court, none of Arthur's knights will confront him. Perceval, driven by naïve courage, defeats the Vermilion Knight — unconventionally skewering him through the eye with a javelin. He dons the Vermilion Knight's armour, though he struggles to wear it properly, highlighting his challenging path to build maturity.
Perceval doesn't return to Camelot but sets out to prove himself and attain true knighthood. Early in his journey, he is mentored by the experienced knight Gornemant de Goort, who recognises Perceval's potential [3]. After numerous battles to help the maiden Blanchefleur, whose lands are threatened, he eventually arrives at the castle of the Fisher King. The Fisher King suffers from a grievous wound in his groin, leaving his kingdom barren and desolate. The Fisher King's wound symbolises his and his people's deep spiritual malaise and moral failure, resulting in the sterile land. The Holy Grail, representing divine grace and spiritual fulfilment, holds the power to heal and restore, but only if its significance is understood and the right questions are asked.
Perceval witnesses a mysterious and holy procession during his stay: a young man carrying a bleeding lance, followed by two boys bearing candelabras. Finally, a maiden enters, holding the Grail — a golden serving bowl emitting dazzling light [4][5]. As the bowl passes in front of him, Perceval is filled with awe and curiosity. However, he refrains from asking about the bowl because he remembers the advice of his mentor, Gornemant, who had counselled him to remain silent and not ask too many questions, which symbolise immaturity and childlike curiosity.
After a sumptuous meal, Perceval retires for the evening, only to awaken in the morning and find the castle completely deserted. Haunted by the vivid imagery of the procession, Perceval leaves the castle perplexed. Shortly afterwards, he encounters a maiden who is mourning over the dead body of a recently slain knight. She reveals to Perceval that his failure to ask the crucial question about whom the Grail serves means that the Fisher King and the land will remain unhealed. This failure to inquire about the Grail sets him on a path of realisation and repentance, driving him to seek greater understanding and spiritual growth. This episode underscores the importance of humility and the willingness to learn, which are crucial elements in Perceval's journey towards becoming a true knight.
Perceval soon encounters a maiden being punished by a knight for alleged infidelity. This is the same maiden he had kissed earlier in his journey. Determined to rectify his mistake, Perceval defeats the knight, sending him to King Arthur's court to confess his crimes and seek absolution. The episode reminds leaders that they need to take accountability for errors, even if they made them with the best intentions.
Following this, Perceval's path crosses with two knights who had previously belittled him as he sought to enter Arthur's court. He defeats them in combat, restoring his honour and proving his prowess as a knight. Sir Gawain [6], a revered knight of the Round Table, persuades Perceval to return to King Arthur's court, where he is celebrated for his deeds. However, the celebration is cut short by the arrival of a wizened maiden who rebukes Perceval in front of the whole court for not asking about the Grail and the bleeding lance during his visit to the Fisher King's castle. She highlights the ongoing suffering of the Fisher King and the desolation of his land caused by Perceval's failure to ask the crucial question. Deeply troubled and filled with remorse, Perceval swears a solemn vow to find the Fisher King again and to ask the necessary questions to heal him and restore his kingdom.
Over the next five years, the poem only briefly touches on Perceval's numerous acts of chivalry. During this period, it is clear that he actively sought the most brutal of challenges and never shirked away from upholding the honour of Arthur’s Court. Despite his heroism, we are told that Perceval has completely forgotten God and is spiritually adrift — a knight in every sense but lacking true purpose. His internal conflict leaves him feeling directionless and completely broken.
Eventually, Perceval encounters a group of maidens and knights, returning from confession with a wise hermit. They sternly rebuke him for wearing his armour on Good Friday and neglecting his spiritual duties. They recount the story of Christ's sacrifice to defeat death; Perceval weeps as their story causes him to reflect on his past actions and the true meaning of his quest; he realises he has sinned against God — like the Fisher King, disconnected from divine grace.
Driven by a desire for redemption, Perceval follows a path marked by knotted branches and seeks out the hermit [7]. The wise hermit, revealed to be Perceval's uncle, offers crucial spiritual guidance. He explains Perceval's failures, not asking whom the Grail serves, and recounts the importance of faith, repentance, and divine grace. The hermit's teachings resonate deeply with Perceval, who fasts, confesses his sins, and, on Easter Sunday, takes communion.
Perceval's story ends here and is typically believed to be unfinished; however, I prefer the interpretation that in taking communion, Perceval finds the Holy Grail [8]. This act of communion symbolises his spiritual renewal, reconnection with God and his discovery of his true purpose — committing to serving something higher than himself, embodying the true meaning of humility and grace.
Symbolically, Perceval's story comes full circle as he sheds his armour and once again dons a hairshirt — growing from naïve adolescent to the most chivalrous of knights to finally discovering his true calling through humility to service of the greater good — symbolically being, almost, naked before God.
Lessons from the Quest for the Holy Grail
Highlighting myths steeped in deep religious symbolism risks alienating secular audiences. Nevertheless, regardless of religious views, these narratives tap into the core of cultural expectations and resonate within our collective subconscious. As such, they frequently capture the essence of core leadership behavioural standards. Let us explore the trinity of leadership lessons from the Grail story, which brings us closer to understanding humility in practice.
First, Perceval's journey exemplifies the profound depth of humility necessary for true leadership success. Throughout his quest, Perceval consistently displays significant levels of humility by seeking guidance from mentors like Gornemant de Goort and holding himself accountable for his mistakes. His decision to rectify his error in giving the maiden an unwanted kiss and his vow to ask the Fisher King the right question about the Grail demonstrate his commitment to personal growth and integrity.
However, Perceval's path to enlightenment is marked by spiritual desolation. This experience mentally brings him to his knees, stripping away all his pretences and ambitions, leaving him thoroughly humbled before God. It is only in this state of complete humility that Perceval can grasp the true essence of the Grail and receive divine grace. This profound realisation allows him to find his true calling and attain spiritual fulfilment.
For contemporary leaders, Perceval's story underscores that true humility goes beyond superficial acts of modesty or accountability. It involves a willingness to confront one's most profound failures and vulnerabilities and embrace being brought low to rise again with a clearer understanding of one's purpose and direction.
Having the depth of humility to confront oneself in this way is, of course, challenging. Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, exemplifies this quality as a modern business leader. Renowned for his humble and values-driven leadership, Polman argued that capitalism must be redefined by focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits. He implemented Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan, aimed at doubling the company's size while reducing its environmental footprint. Polman's humility was evident in his willingness to collaborate with NGOs, governments, and competitors to address global challenges, fostering an environment of openness and continuous learning within Unilever.
Second, Perceval's journey in the quest for the Holy Grail highlights the essential role of authenticity and integrity in leadership. His failure to ask the crucial question of the Fisher King underscores the importance of being true to oneself and one's values. Perceval had not fully integrated the lessons of his mentor and ignored his inner voice, leading him to remain silent when he should have spoken. This silence, driven by anxiety and excessive self-monitoring to play the part, led to failure to act with authenticity, causing devastating consequences for the Fisher King and his people.
Throughout the story, Perceval consistently demonstrates integrity in his actions, striving to do the right thing and rectify his mistakes, as seen in his ongoing search to heal the Fisher King. Most pertinent, however, is that even when Perceval forgets God, he remains true to the virtues of the knight's code. Notably, during this stage of his journey, he feels most bereft, highlighting that integrity of action alone does not drive fulfilment without a deeper connection to a meaningful purpose. Perceval's journey is a testament to the need for a clear purpose underpinned by integrity in intent and action.
For contemporary leaders, the key takeaway is that integrity involves more than just adhering to ethical standards; it requires authenticity and maturity in one's actions, underpinned by continuous self-reflection. It is not enough to perform ethical actions; leaders must genuinely internalise and act upon their principles — the well-being cost of not doing so is high.
Ellen Kullman, former CEO of DuPont, exemplifies these leadership qualities. She navigated the company through significant challenges while adhering to her transparency and ethical conduct values. Kullman's commitment to integrity earned her the trust and respect of employees and stakeholders. Her leadership during turbulence demonstrates the power of authenticity and ethical behaviour in building a culture of trust and purpose, ultimately guiding an organisation towards long-term success.
Third, Perceval's quest underscores the important interconnection between purpose and service. As a knight, Perceval diligently strives to serve the people and uphold the knightly code of honour. Yet, for Perceval, this dedication alone is insufficient; his true purpose lies in serving God. Through this higher calling, he discovers profound meaning and fulfilment. His journey illuminates a critical leadership lesson: successful leadership is fundamentally about service. Indeed, the most influential leaders possess a clear purpose rooted in supporting the greatest good they can achieve through their dedication to do their utmost to support employees, customers, stakeholders, and the broader society.
Contemporary leaders need to lift their heads and serve the greatest good that creates meaning for them and that they can be passionate about. Being self-serving, like Gilgamesh or Fred Goodwin, is the path to eventual disaster. Leaders who strive to serve their greatest good and embrace the role of serving others impress as authentic and are inspirational — creating motivated and high-performing businesses.
A recent business example is Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Bachelder turned around the struggling company by focusing on servant leadership. She prioritised the well-being of employees, franchisees, and customers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Her approach revitalised the brand and led to significant financial growth. Bachelder's leadership demonstrates that by serving the needs of others, leaders can achieve remarkable commercial success — Popeye's stock rose from $15 to $79 per share during her tenure.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt exemplified this principle in the realm of serving a higher societal purpose. His leadership during the Great Depression and World War II was marked by a commitment to serving the American people and addressing the broader needs of society. Roosevelt's New Deal policies and efforts to unite the nation during wartime highlighted his dedication to the greater good. His legacy underscores that leadership aimed at serving the highest societal goals can bring about comprehensive and lasting change.
Conclusion
The myths of Arachne, Gilgamesh, and the Quest for the Holy Grail highlight the critical role humility has to play in contemporary leadership success. The story of Arachne illustrates the derailing impact of hubris, arrogance, and pride, which will undoubtedly lead to a fall. Gilgamesh's journey highlights the critical acceptance of free will, the importance of self-awareness, the acknowledgement of limitations, and the necessity and transformative power of humility as we build maturity through experience. Perceval's quest for the Holy Grail emphasises the true depth of humility required to find and release our full potential to serve the greatest good.
By embracing humility, leaders build their maturity and act authentically, building trust, creating lasting positive change and driving business performance. The most successful leaders exemplify humility — they serve the highest good, act in service of all stakeholders, lack prideful ambition and understand their limitations. Modern examples like Elizabeth Holmes, Cheryl Bachelder, Ellen Kullman and Paul Polman illustrate these lessons, showing that humility is a critical driver of contemporary leadership success.
Act with free will, embrace humility, serve with grace, and lead with integrity.
References
Gilgamesh: A New Translation of the Ancient Epic, 2022, Helle
Mere Christianity, 2001, Lewis, C. S.
Paradise Lost, 2003, Milton (Author), Leonard (Editor)
Pride versus Humility, 2016, Derek Prince
The Complete Romances of Chretien De Troyes, 1991, David Staines, Chretien de Troyes
The Search for the Holy Grail Pts 1&2, Symbolic World Podcast, Rohlin (Presenter), Pageau (Host)
Wisdom: The Psychology of Wise Thoughts, Words, and Deeds, 2021, Sternberg, Glück
Why Spiders Spin: A Story of Arachne (Gods of Olympus), 1991, Simons, Simons and Acardo
Footnotes
[1] The Holy Grail is commonly thought to be the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper and to collect his blood at the Crucifixion. However, various legends depict the Grail differently, including a golden serving bowl, a stone, or a chalice.
[2] Perceval crosses several rivers and has multiple garment changes on his quest for the Grail. Each symbolises a new enlightenment stage or difficulty reaching the next stage. These symbolic elements mirror the ascent through the hierarchy of leadership maturity from opportunist to alchemist.
[3] Perceval encounters many mentors throughout his journey, symbolising the support required by those with more experience to reach his full potential.
[4] The golden serving bowl, not a cup, is the Holy Grail in this version of the legend. The Grail is yet to take on its full religious significance in this early version of the story. Indeed, it seems that the contents of the bowl and their life-sustaining properties, perhaps holy water, are more significant.
[5] This procession mirrors key elements of the Orthodox Christian Divine Liturgy, particularly the Eucharistic procession.
[6] In this version of the Grail story, Sir Gawain eventually searches for the Lance, which drips blood. This is reputed to be the lance that was thrust into Christ's side at the Crucifixion.
[7] The knotted branches are symbolic of praying using a rosary.
[8] The Holy Grail, often interpreted as a symbol of divine grace and spiritual fulfilment, parallels the sacrament of communion, which in Christian tradition represents the body and blood of Christ. Through communion, Perceval receives divine grace.