This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
On October 20, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by completing the INEOS challenge, a feat that captivated the world's attention. As we reflect on this remarkable achievement, it's essential to understand the qualities that made it possible.
For many, Kipchoge's success was inspiring because he dared to do the 'impossible.' The world watched in awe as he ran 26.2 miles in under two hours, a feat that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. The roads of a major European city were closed down for him, and the commentators noted that the yellow line on the road was done specially for this extraordinary son of Africa.
As human beings, we get emotional and are inspired by what we wish we could do but have convinced ourselves that we cannot. Kipchoge's triumph over obstacles resonated with many, and we couldn't help but wonder when we would finally pay the price needed to overcome our own challenges.
One aspect that stood out in the aftermath of Kipchoge's achievement was his humility. Virtually everyone who spoke about him talked about how humble this rare gentleman is. What then is it about humility that seems to be a catalyst for true greatness?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, humility is the quality of not being proud. The Oxford dictionary defines it as the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people. However, it's essential to note that humility should not be mistaken for timidity, which is the quality of being shy or nervous. Kipchoge's confidence and self-esteem were evident in the way he related with the media and people, and yet, he came off as a humble person.
Many people confuse confidence with arrogance, but a person can be confident and humble at the same time. In fact, many great companies have failed because they did not have the 'Kipchoge Mix' – humility and confidence. Leaders fail today because it takes humility to accept that you could be wrong, and it takes confidence to try to succeed where you have failed before.
The power combination of humility and confidence continues to make winners every day. Every world champion, whether in sports or business, has embraced these two attributes. As the late Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore demonstrated, it takes humility to listen to others and confidence to fix problems and take action.
Organisations thrive today because they are humble enough to acknowledge the things they are doing that are not working, and sort them out. They grow because they have an ear to their customers, and they thrive because they make business about the customer.
So, while we join the rest of the world in congratulating Kipchoge, let us remember what he has shown us – that humility mixed with confidence is the elixir of champions.
Wale Akinyemi is the chief transformation officer, PowerTalks.
