Core Value
Humility
Deep Dive
The following table includes a non-exhaustive list of examples of how Humility can be demonstrated and examples of behaviours which are not aligned with this value, thereby undermining or challenging it. At the bottom are examples of behaviours which exceed the minimum standards set out in the Code.
Examples of how to demonstrate this
Self-reflection and awareness of their limitations (and strengths), what can and cannot be done [MC 4.2, 7.5]
Working as part of a team to fully utilise and maximise diversity and combine skills within a team [MC 7.3 - 7.4]
Undertaking reviews of competencies and performance of self and team
Understanding of when to act and when to ask others to help or act [MC 7.5]
Seeking perspectives, input of and dialogue with survivors, survivor networks, local communities and those with experience in that context [MC 4.1]
Openness to feedback and using it to improve skills and performance
Considering whether they are the right person to do the work in that setting at that time, bearing in mind others’ roles and activities
Reflecting on and recognising own bias, assumptions and stigma, as well as on their relational privilege, power and positionality
Putting a survivor’s priorities and needs first, ahead of own objectives and work [MC 1.6]
Being an enabler and facilitator in a supporting role of a survivor’s safe disclosure and sharing of information about what happened
Examples of non-aligned/challenging behaviour
Believing they know best or believing their mandate, objective or work is more important than others
Their own need to speak directly to survivors and hear their stories about sexual violence, because they are head of office, a politician or a mandate holder (e.g. even though the survivor has already recounted what has happened to someone else in the same team/organisation)
Assuming that they are best placed to do the work without understanding who else is doing the work or limits of own mandate or role
Prioritising own deadlines ahead of survivor priorities and needs
Not acknowledging the value or expertise in others’ work or ignoring the views of others
Refusing to recognise their mistakes, limitations or challenges, blaming others or context instead
Refusing to accept feedback or criticism
[Knowingly] undermining or devaluing the works of others, including undermining trust in humanitarian services [MC 8.5]
Any expression of ‘ego’, that it’s all about them, their role, their tasks and objectives, what they want and need
Overpromising, guaranteeing or offering things which are not in their power to give
Other forms of arrogance, snobbery, superiority complexes, or making survivors feel that they are less important than them and their time
Examples of behaviours which go beyond minimum standards
Seeking feedback, and accepting criticism well/as a gift and learning from it
Seeking external independent reviews or assessments of own work and decision-making
Showing a cultural and experiential humility – recognising what they do not know and have not experienced – and not trying to impose own bias or assumptions upon it
Showing mindfulness not to undermine capacity and actions of authorities (if functioning) or others working with survivors [MC 8.5]