At Freedom Solar, our core values extend beyond mere words; they serve as actionable principles that steer our every decision and action.
During our recent all-hands meeting, I shared one of my personal favorites: “Have a humble heart.”
This idea was inspired by a book I discovered through Alcoholics Anonymous, which I often revisit. The term “humility” appears 164 times in the text, emphasizing the importance of “placing principles before personalities,” adjusting our attitudes, gaining perspective, and achieving these goals through humility.
Regrettably, many people confuse humility with low self-esteem or meekness. In reality, humility isn’t about thinking less of oneself; it’s about thinking of oneself less often.
When we focus more on others, we begin to see the larger picture. Treating others as we wish to be treated becomes less an imperative and more an innate response.
Humility liberates us from pride and arrogance. It encourages us to seek advice and guidance, fosters strategic thinking, and promotes honest communication by allowing us to step back. This mindset also creates a conducive environment for learning and growth.
I firmly believe that everything—be it teamwork, success, personal achievement, or anything else—starts with humility. Moreover, all of Freedom Solar’s core values, from “Put People First” to “Give a Damn,” revolve around maintaining a humble heart. This focus is vital to treating our customers like family and ensuring exceptional craftsmanship in every installation; self-interest has no place in this mission.
Our all-hands meetings are excellent opportunities to recognize team members who exemplify our values—those who arrive each day eager to enhance their teams, demonstrate to customers that they’re part of the Freedom Solar family, and inspire us to become better versions of ourselves as individuals and leaders. Their humility serves as a reminder that success is not an individual pursuit; it is a collective achievement we can only reach together.
This approach necessitates prioritizing others, especially our customers and teammates. Humble hearts elevate everyone as we strive to reach new heights.
I’m not certain how much this core value sets Freedom Solar apart, but I do know it makes us unique and special. I take immense pride in what we have built and the future we are creating, as it prioritizes people, empowers our community, and fosters a brighter, cleaner future.
That’s what it means to live more powerfully.