Reflections on being teachable

I came across a simple message recently that really stuck with me:
“Be teachable. You don’t know everything, and you’re not always right.”

It hit home!

In a culture that often celebrates boldness and self-assurance, we can easily overlook the quiet strength of humility.

Power without wisdom can turn reckless. Confidence without a willingness to learn becomes risky. And youth, without the grounding of humility, can miss the deeper insights that only experience can offer.

Humility isn’t about shrinking ourselves: it’s about staying open. Open to growth, to listening, to the idea that we don’t have all the answers. True strength lies not in always being right, but in being teachable. True confidence is rooted not in pride, but in perspective.

In a world quick to reward noise, humility remains a rare and powerful kind of wisdom. It allows us to listen more than we speak, to learn from others without ego, and to recognize that we don’t always have all the answers. While confidence opens doors, humility keeps them open, inviting collaboration, empathy, and growth. It reminds us that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but the one who lifts others up.

On my growth journey, I have realised that the humility to listen, stay curious, ask questions, submit to learning from both young and old, and ultimately applying what I learn, has opened many doors of opportunity.

A notable line from the 1994 martial arts film Fist of Legend (I love my action movies), reads thus “Experience must fear the strength of the youth” . In the movie, this line is spoken by a character who emphasizes the vigour and potential of the younger generation, suggesting that their energy and determination can surpass the wisdom and experience of the older generation. It sounded powerful in the moment—but also incomplete. Why do I say so?

Strength without wisdom can be reckless. Confidence without learning can be dangerous. And youth without humility can miss out on the depth that experience brings.

Being teachable doesn’t mean lacking conviction. It means being willing to grow, evolve, and become a better version of yourself.

Some of the best leaders I know are the most teachable people in the room.
They don’t let ego get in the way of insight.

So here’s my reminder to myself (and maybe to you too):

• Keep an open mind
• Remain teachable
• Stay humble.
• Keep learning.

#Reflections #Leadership #GrowthMindset