Comments on: Can I be Humble and Successful on a Team?

By: Marlon Johnston

Marlon Johnston — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:54:21 +0000

In reply to Greg Harrod. A simple mind needs simple tools...

By: Greg Harrod

Greg Harrod — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:10:37 +0000

In reply to Marlon.

This is a timely comment for me personally, Marlon. These verses have been a topic of discussion recently with people close to me. My experience has been that it is easy to forget about the reference in verse 4 to look out for our own interests too. We can make it a badge of honor to not take care of ourselves which is not healthy or wise.

NOMBO is a helpful acronym for me to remember too. I’m sure you didn’t have enough acronyms at the Pentagon so it was good that you were able to add another.

By: Marlon

Marlon — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:38:32 +0000

Hi Greg and everyone taking advantage of this blog,
I came to grips with this tension between humility and confidence during my Pentagon assignment while in the USAF. In my morning reading and reflection time, I was struck by a pair of verses that I summarized in the acronym NOMBO…not only myself but others. It’s Philippians 2:3-4 if you want to check it out.

I was swimming in a very big pond with very impressive fish, and NOMBO helped me be bold about both contributing my abilities, and acknowledging the abilities of those I was teamed with. This was also another affirmation of servant leadership in my personal and professional life.