Everything Starts with Humility
November 3, 2023
Authored by Bret Biggart
Freedom Solar’s core values are more than just words; they’re actionable mantras that guide everything we do.
At our recent all-hands meeting, I discussed one of my favorites: Have a humble heart.
That was inspired by a book I found through Alcoholics Anonymous that I go back to quite a bit. The word “humility” shows up in the book 164 times. The writer emphasizes “placing principles before personalities,” readjusting attitudes, and gaining perspective — and achieving all of that through humility.
Unfortunately, too many people associate the word with low self-esteem or meekness. In fact, humility isn’t about thinking less of oneself — just thinking of oneself less often.
By focusing more on others, we start to see the bigger picture. Treating others how we’d like to be treated becomes less of a rule (however golden) and more of a default setting.
Humility helps free us from pride and arrogance. Our work improves with advice and direction. We think more strategically and speak more honestly by getting out of the way. And it’s easier to learn and grow as we go along.
I believe everything — teamwork, success, personal achievement, and everything else — starts with humility. Furthermore, all of Freedom Solar’s core values, from “Put People First” to “Give a Damn,” start with having a humble heart. That’s because we insist on treating our customers like family and providing the best craftsmanship for every installation; you can’t do that if you only care about yourself.
Our all-hands meetings offer great opportunities to spotlight team members who embody our values — folks who come to work each day ready to strengthen their teams, show customers that they’re part of the Freedom Solar family, and challenge us to be better versions of ourselves as people and leaders. Their humility reminds us that success is not a one-person goal. It’s one we all share, and we can only achieve together.
That means putting others, customers and team members especially, ahead of ourselves. Humble hearts carry everyone to the top of the mountain.
I don’t know how much this core value makes Freedom Solar unique. I do know it makes us special. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built — and the future we’re building — because it puts people first, empowers our community, and shapes a brighter, cleaner future.
That’s what living more powerfully looks like.
