Hello again everyone!
When is the last time you took out the garbage? For me it was just last week. Seems like a simple task, but it was while taking out the garbage that it became clear what my next post would be about. In fact, taking out the garbage is the basis of what I believe to be the single most important trait every good leader must possess. So what does taking out the garbage have to do with leadership anyway? Keep reading…
Certainly there are many different opportunities for us to be good leaders, even in our everyday lives. Perhaps you are a leader in your ACN business, in your church congregation, on a sports team, in your current job, or perhaps you are seen as a leader in your family or among your group of friends. Regardless, the single most important characteristic I believe that every good leader must possess is humility; it is absolutely non-negotiable. Now, it is easy to talk about being humble, and for some people it comes naturally, but I have observed people and recognized that humility is one of the easiest things to lose. It can be here one minute and gone the next. So how do you remain humble?
A good place to start is by always appreciating the talents of others. You may think you are the best at what you do, but I can assure you that no matter how good you are at something, there is probably someone out there who is better. So instead of being intimidated by others’ strengths, use those strengths to challenge yourself to do and be better. Then take that one step further and surround yourself with people who you feel are better and smarter than you. It is a fact that ACN absolutely would not be where we are today had we not surrounded ourselves with people smarter than we were in the very beginning…and we’re still doing it today almost 20 years later.
Next, know your own limitations. We can’t all be experts at everything we do, so identify your limitations and take steps to overcome them. Just because we aren’t in school doesn’t mean we should give up on learning new things. Become a student of life, continue learning and remain coachable. And more importantly don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The mistakes and challenges along the way are what give us new opportunities to rise. And remember, if you aren’t making mistakes, then you probably aren’t doing anything worthwhile.
Be a servant leader and be sure to always give back to others along the way. Of course it makes us feel good that as a company we are able to donate millions of dollars to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, but that isn’t why we do it. We do it because it’s the right thing to do. See it’s not about having it’s about helping. Put the needs of those around you first, always remember where you came from and the challenges you faced along the way, and make it your mission to make the road smoother for others who follow in your footsteps. And don’t get wrapped up in the things that don’t matter; things like fancy titles or expensive toys. Being a leader isn’t about having a fancy office or an impressive title. Remember, you should never believe your own press. In fact, the best leaders don’t care about titles because quite simply, titles don’t determine our worth, they don’t define our character and they couldn’t begin to categorize our potential. All of these things come from within, from who we are as individuals. Don’t become too big to do the small things or you will be too small to receive the big things.
Now, back to the garbage…
More importantly than anything else I could tell you on the subject of humility is to never forget your own roots and to surround yourself with people who keep you humble. No matter how big or how successful ACN becomes, it always has and always will be my job at home to take out the garbage. See, my wife knew me long before ACN, and in her eyes I’m Greg, her husband. And with my kids, I’m dad first. In fact, I was and still am an average dad who watched my kids’ sporting events, nagged them to do their homework and keep their rooms clean, and I am sure I probably even embarrassed them at times. To my family I am a husband and a father first, and it is this important, everyday role in my family, a role held by millions of people around the world that fills my tank, makes me realize what’s really important – and more than anything else, it’s this role that keeps me humble.
So I ask you this, is your humility showing? If so, keep wearing it proudly. I can assure you it is one of the things the people in your life love and appreciate most about you. Leave a comment below to share what keeps you humble. And if your humility isn’t showing, that is ok too. Take out the garbage…it does wonders for the soul.
Until garbage day,
Greg Provenzano
ACN President and Co-Founder
Thank you once again Greg Provenzano!
When I feel I am about to take credit for anything great in my life I stop my self and instantly give credit to god because the minute it’s me I am no longer effective in any area of my life
Thanks Greg.
For your leadership.
To inspiring me, to become more.
Regarts Tonni from Denmark.
“It’s not about having, it’s about helping!” Every time I read or listen something from Mr Greg Provenzano, that reminds me, such in a powerful way, why I so believe in this business ! Thanks for being an incredible leader.
My wife and I share a car and lead different lives so I borrow my late father’s ugly truck to do my business. It reminds me why I am determined to succeed.
wow! Greg, you have made my day and also you have just fired me up into my August ACN Business.
Mr. Provenzano,
Not forgetting all the obstacles along this journey called “life” and knowing that it ‘s only by God’s Grace that we’ve arrived is what helps to keep me humble. Making others around you feel appreciated and important because of what they’ve contributed to your growth as a person keeps my life in prospective. Knowing that I’m nothing without God’s Grace and Favor over my life reminds me that it’s not about me……….it’s about God! I bless the Lord everyday for the opportunity to be a part of ACN and what this company represents!
Just joined the company a few weeks ago and even though I am off to a slowish start, the more i read and hear from and about you and the company, the more I know I made the right decision. Thank you!!!
I am in the same boat with you Janet. I started in June. But I am determined to make a successful career with ACN! Keep up your spirit. =)
My children always keep me humble. I am 25 with a set of four year old twins. And when I put on my skirt suit and set up my home they are right there watching me, and helping me. They always ask how my “work party” was and tell me how pretty I look. But when the suit is off, they say “can we play now?” And I pull out the playdoh and art supplies. It keeps me grounded, literally playing on the floor with them.
One way I choose to keep myself humble is to not try to change the world – simply my corner of it. So if I walk more than a block, I pick up a water bottle or Tim Hortons cup off the ground and recycle it. I tell myself “One bottle every time I walk. That’s all.” It’s not a glamorous act, but I do it because I can.
And Greg, I know you are a humble man. I could tell when, sitting at the last San Jose int’l, my mentor could tell I was stunned and captivated by this beautiful woman. He leaned over and said, “I’m not 100% positive, but I think that’s Mr. Provenzano’s daughter.”
Needless to say I was intimidated so when the opportunity presented itself I walked over and said, “Forgive me for asking, but are you Greg Provenzano’s daughter?”
To which she said, “Yes.”
“Hi, I’m Shayne. And I have to say you are intimidatingly beautiful! Listen, your father is doing a great thing. Don’t ever let him stop.”
By the time I asked for a photo, shook her hand and she went back to her friends a few rows in front of us in with the RD’s, RVP’s, and SVP’s that I look up to, I thought to myself something. If I would have said, “Hey, let’s go meet your dad.”, she probably would have said, “Sure let’s go!”, taking my arm and walked to meet you.
That’s because you are not Mr. Greg Provenzano, President and co-founder of the largest direct selling company of telecommunications and energy services in the world. To her, you are dad. And being one has certainly made you better at the other. Thank you for taking out the garbage.
Dear Greg provenzano I am a father of six and I understand what the challenges can be. My family has really supported me in my Acn business. I take out the garbage every week so it can be recycled. My life is filled the day to day challenges I am very honored to have been recruited by an amazing person RVP tony P. who has become my mentor and best friend. You mr. Provanzano make me very proud to be associated with a world class business such as ACN. Sincerely zoltan Kraynik ACN IBO
Greg I have been in this industry almost 20 years and have met many owners of different companies. You are without a doubt the best leader that I have ever met and I am proud to be a part of such a great company being influenced by your leadership! I have grown more in the last year being a part of ACN than I have in all of my networking years combined! Thank you so much!
Ron Urban
Greg, Thank you so much for the exemplary Leadership, you are truly an inspiration. My husbands opinion of ACN has risen to great heights since he saw you speak on the free Friday evening session at the Gold Coast Event this year….your integrity amazed him. It was also a great honor to have accidentally bumped into yourself, your wife & Mr Cupisz…..thanks for your time taken to chat with me & also the hugs on that Sunday after the Gold Coast Event. Yours words I shall not forget, they meant the world to me. We are not attending the Melbourne Event this year, as my Aunty Mavis turns 100 years old in Wagga Wagga, so we shall be celebrating with her.
Sincerely
Janette from Brisbane, Australia
This is an amazing and inspiring blog. It just goes to show that in every aspect of life we need humility, no matter what we’re doing. In this business, my way of staying humble is to remember that I want to help others have success before I do. So much more joy in giving than receiving.
It’s to have a servant’s heart that makes one humbled.
thanks for sharing Greg…God bless you!
Regrads Nicoel from Vancouver, BC
Thank You Very Much
You are a Great Leader.
Thank you mr Provenzano for another leadership message. Your words reminds me that in life first we have to be, than we need to do, than we can have everything we want in life. The process is simple and i believe in you, i thank you for your commitment and support. I’m very happy to grow with ACN and be surrounded by people better than me. Ciao from Italy!!!!!!!!
Thank you Mr Provenzano, for sharing with your knowledge….I try to keep my humility by never forgeting where I came from….that I’m always learning and still learning from everyone that God put on my path….I’m a fighter, a woman of caracter so imagine the work I had and still have to do…just to be a versatile person ..most importantly put my life in the HANDS OF ACN LEADERS…for 2 years now…its wonderful to overcome my fear of trust…by being coachebal….because where God is always healing in me is the TRUST in others…thank you so much…can t wait to read you again….
Dear Mr. Provenzano,
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I sometimes forget where I came from. I should always remember that my beginnings were from very a humble family who showed so much love and compassion for everyone. Even though we didn’t have much, my parents always helped everyone in anyway that could. My goal is to help more people succeed, not just myself. When I first joined ACN a short time ago, I was amazed at how many people were honest and sincere people who just want to help. My goal is to help people be successful.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
AnneMarie Caporrella, Bellingham, MA
I stay humble by trusting God every day
Great Post, I get it!
I came from near poverty beginnings in life and believe me we were a very humble family. I was born 7th of 10 children and WWII made everyone of us appreciate a decent meal and a roof overhead. I started working at the age of 10 in a drug store as a delivery boy in Chicago and from that beginning I came to really appreciate the value of the helping the less fortunate. After bouncing from one service type job to another I finally found my niche at 17 I joined the US Navy and worked my way from a high school drop out to become a Engineering Officer and following 3 years in and out of Viet Nam I had my first heart attack at the age of 32. I went through many months of physical rehab and thanks to a Navy Seal coaching me I was allowed to complete my 20 years of active duty. In the years following I was hired by the Marriott Hotel Corporation traveling aound the US and Europe opening hotels from the construction trades to training the Engineering and Maintenance staffs. With the exception of my affiliation wih ACN as a IBO I am fully retired. I joined ACN to help a friend.
Helping my husband with everyday things that he’s no longer able to do for himself keeps me humble and reminds me we all need someone.
iI agree. Humilty is very impor tant in our lifes. It doesn´t matter in which subject.
Thank you to give to me the possibility to share my opinion.
Mr. Provenzano you did it again Sir! Just reading these comments in itself allows me to be humble in so many ways. Becoming apart of this company in April of 2009 has changed my mindset and the way I view life. Everytime I approach someone about the business or get approached I immediately humble myself. The reason for that comes from my mentor Mr. Danny Bae, because as you work this business to help individuals create a lifestyle or become financially free you do earn a ridiculously amount of income….. of course do to the structure of the comp plan. So never act like your bigger then the next man/woman. Always know your place in line and where you come from. I never knew about humility until I joined ACN. So I want to say thank you to the 4 courageous men who started this company and may God continue bless you.
Sincerely,
Derrick Stewart, Dallas,TX
Thank you Mr Provenzano, you are such an amazing leader…… God Bless.
It is a Real Gift to be able help anyone in God’s name… we all can learn so much…
Best Regards,
not only do I take out the garbage , i haul it to the dump station !
Thanks,
Vance
Hi, we are Cristina and Fernando Sequeira from Portugal. My husband and I are representative of ACN since November 2008 and first of all we want to sincerely thank the four co-founders of ACN all they have done in this company and what they have done by their representatives. These four wonderful people are great example of humility and leadership. Thank you for everything …!
Humility is for me to be simple, it does not find the owner of the truth, is not to say, is to be. It does not diminish the other. You look down their light to shine than the other. It is to be sincere and consistent with himself repairing imperfections in the interior and changing it to something more positive. Humility is the path to wisdom and has nothing to do with material things. Without wisdom we can not have anything in life … not even enjoy what we have.
Let us always present in our lives these great truths:
Confúcio said: “Humility is the only solid foundation of all virtues.”
and Augusto Cury, said: “The greatest leader is one who acknowledges his littleness, his humility draws strength and experience of its fragility.”
I wish the best for everyone. Cristina Sequeira
Thank you Mr. Provenzano for this great article!
This is exactly what I needed to read. I need to be more humble for my family and my entire ACN team. With so many trials and hardships that we face day to day, I can’t help but see that God is using every opportunity to prove HIS faithfulness to us. Being humble is one of the greatest virtues in regards to overcoming obstacles, but also a vital key to our success…
It is humbling to take out the garbage in the first place.
May God Bless you and your family!
I am humbled when I see how many incredibly accomplished people there are within ACN who consistently put the well-being of others before their own well-being. I realize that these people have learned something about which I still know very little. They have mastered the “servant mentality”, much as you have Mr. Provenzano.
I need to continue to work every day on making this mentality my own. Taking the garbage out is an excellent metaphor for this mentality. I believe that from now on, it will be “a little reminder” of it every time that I take garbage out!
I admire you for doing such important task Sir. Taking the initiative lets you accomplish things. I do believe that husband and wife should also do 50/50 of household chores now a days so the wife do’t get burned out. Sets good examples for the children too. Thank you I’m really inspired by your humility. Take care.
You are a shadow of a better husband & father..I believe so, working with ACN, with you is a humble success that will take us and our family to a life long humility and happiness. You’re an asset to everyyone. God bless you.
Wow!! What a simple and powerful message !! Thank you Mr. Provenzano for everything you stand for and represent in our life
To our President, First let me say that I truly enjoyed reading this article on humility and I agree that it can be something that we lose site with as we just go through this thing called life, but I’m finding that if I choose to decrease and allow GOD to increase in me, not just some time but all the time, humility will present itself, as well as remembering who we are,and who’s we are .
This is wise counseling and the foundation of GRACE… I do thank you, it has allowed me to know all is well with my BEING… Please continue to project more of your likeness so I may continue to attact the like… “Ask and you shall receive.” Again, thank you… Isn’t it always about the small things?…
Reading and answering to your post help me to keep myself humble…
I Just Loved your message Mr. Provenzano! Humility is one the most important
things the someone can have. I loved the story of Jesus that you’ve told in the
Charlotte National in February of this year, it hit me like tons Bricks! As you said ” I
Didn’t know that this passage existed”. Believe or not but you teach me a lot, and
thank you for leadership Mr. Provenzano
I’m Looking forward to know you some day
Mr. Provenzano, I want to thank you for this messasge, but more importantly for being an example of the kind of leader that all of us in the field can respect and look to everyday in our business. It’s a pleasure to be in business with a man like you. Thank you for ACN. We really appreciate everything you do to support all of us. Steve Bergstrom, TC San Diego, Ca.
Thank you Greg. I just love this, and the ACN business. A reminder to keep the core strong and true.xx
Dear Greg Provenzano, thanks a lot for your always spot on way to express the things that are important to us as human beings and as ACN reps. I think it is good that we can never impress our prospects by waving our titles in front of the face of them. I have to be sharp every time i present and to be respectfull of how they see things. If they like “strawberries – it will not be helpfull to either of us to talk about my favourite ACN-”chocolate” flavour.
I have to “feel” who I am talking to every time and that, among many many other things, including my son, keeps me humble. Looking very much forward to seeing you again in Cologne. Be well.
TC Pia Krabbe – Aarhus – Denmark.
My family comes from very humble beginnings in the US and we have worked hard to be where we are today. We do not take for granted anything we have today. ACN is just an added bonus in our lives
MR GREG PROVENZANO
THANK you for such a great article it makes so much sense YOU are such a humble person and you are a great leader to all of us , and i agree get rid of
the garbage .
I’m out of words, and at the same time I have so much to say about this post… But in simplicity, the best way I can express what I think about it after reading it, fits in these four words:
THANK YOU Mr. Provenzano!
Mr. Provenzano,
You are a true leader!
Thank you for you example, and your coaching!
Mr. Provenzano, thank you for your servant leadership in my life and the lives of so many.
Dear Mr Provenzano,
Once again THANK YOU for keeping me always in touch with the world by your words of wisdom. It is really a blessing that I am a part of the ACN Family. Your messages always inspire me! May God Bless you and your family always!
Thank you Mr. Provenzano,
For your quality words of wisdom and advice. Even though we have not meet other than a hand shake at San Jose, we have been inspired through the years by your words of advice at trainings and events. God has richly blessed you. Several years back you testified how reading at least 10 pages a day of a quality book has been one of the factors that has improved your life. My family and team, and myself have created this habit. Nothing has accelerated our understanding of life and people more than this.
What keeps me humble is realizing that every person is important. And differences among people can be a strength in an environment of love, patients, and acceptance, because none of us have the edge on all the trueth. Thanks Again, Mark
Very Humbling! It is not about us! It is not about just “Giving” so we can be “Getting!” I have met so many true servants in this business helping others go higher and reach farther!
I hope I am fairly humble, since I do “the small” things and don´t mind at all-most of the time- but this is a great reminder and I appreciate this great advise very much. Thank you for sharing your insight with us.
Vincent (La Coruña, Spain)
Thank you Mr Provenzano, for the wisdom you just shared about humility. What keeps me humble most is remembering the very financially poor and humble place in life I grew up in. Every few days I speak to my mother and father who are still in that same place in life. I feel blessed that I was able to grow up with much less than most, because it made me much more appreciative of life and what it has done for my family.
I feel so Blessed to be involved in this wonderful Co. and the people like yourself Mr. Provenzano! Your words, I hang onto, one at a time, they always make me think deeper into myself,and find ways to improve my life and find new ways to make my business partners better than they ever thought of themselves.
Thank You Again, Mr. Provenzano, and all of the Co-founders for your phenomenal Leadership and Mentorship!!!
I agree, Mr. Provenzano. Thankyou. I think something that I struggle with is the follow-up step when when you realize you’ve been acting outside of this breath of humility; self-forgiveness.
This is truly an amazing message Mr Provenzano, I appreciate you sharing this with of all us ACN Reps, may the LORD continue to bless you and your family. Keep up the good work. God bless….
Mr. Provenzano, Wow! What inspiration and empowering message to all of us! Please keep giving us advice and powerful training opportunities. I thank God for this business and the the great people that are continuing to give back. We should embrace humility and humbleness and blessings will be waiting at the end and overflowing. What God has for us will allow us to be passionate about our purpose in life.
Do not be too big to bdo small things because we will be too small to do big things.
This statement was said by simon aboud and i guess he heared it from you that you heared or learned some where or by your self.
I believe is the gratest power of a human to be humble. It shows the power of control.
I am trying to remember every day to thank for the day, for the sun, and when the opportunity presents to show up my reputation, my things done, in my had, i am telling to do it properly and to be humble.
I am humble because my parents are so, because i had hard times in my life, an now i am seeing the light at the en of the tunel.
Thank you Greg for these ideas.
Serghei from Montreal
The beauty that surrounds me every day, the constant acts of kindness shown every day, and the strength and courage that is displayed every day by our heroes are things that keep me humble. My philosophy of life has always been that we have been put into this world to help one another as best we can to make it through this life. My mom said it even better, “Your heart is deeper than your pockets.”
Mr. Provenzano, it is truly a joy to be involved in a company with the level of integrity that ACN has. It all starts at the top and your humility sets the best example that anyone could follow. It is my feeling that servant leadership is true leadership. Your encouragement and wisdom and humility are the cornerstones that will keep ACN growing stronger for generations to come. Thank you and many blessings to you and your family. Mary in Bellingham
A.C.N. has been a tool in God’s hands to continually remind me it’s about others, not myself. This has been a steep, yet wonderful learning curve over the past almost four months. I still have a long way to go in the A.C.N. School of Learning and Earning. Thank you, Mr. Provenzano, for your heartfelt words of wisdom and challenge!
What keeps me humble is knowing there is a God who loves me, who raps me in his arms. With that kind of unconditional love, and when I am reminded of it, I step back and look at my self and ask the question “do I diserve it”. I don’t like the way garbage smells after a couple of days of sitting; nor does God or people around me like the way my bad attitued smells. So I am constantly reminded to empty out all the trash, and freshen up with a bible verse and a positive afformation.
you are so right Donyee…I we are nothing without God in your life…only HIS Words brings us back where we belong and be HIS CHILD…:) forgetting that brings us in grabbing everything and imposing our garbagge to others…:)
I just signed up today. Your thoughts are profound and encouraging. Thanks for keeping me balanced. I look forward to more blogs.
Truly an amazing article from a tremendous individual!! I honestly surround myself around the friends I grew up with to always remind me of my roots and struggles in life. Surrounding myself to those individuals that were there for me every step of the way! Thanks for sharing Mr. Provenzano!
Mr. Provenazno, you are a man of your word. I got a chance to meet and talk to you Monday at the leadership training in Charlottee. The one word I used to describe you was Humble! It was awesome. Within that 15 to 20 min with you. You showed me who you are as a person and what ACN is all about. With your leadership and passion for helping people ACN will only get better. I learned some much from you, no matter how successful you are in ACN. Never forget to be humble and love others. You never know who life you’ll change. That 15 min has change my life. Thank you for your time and amazing leadership. I’ll remember to stay humble all the way to SVP! By the way, I finish writing my first sermon that I’ll preach this Sunday. 2 Samuel 23:20-23:21 Title Lion Chasers. Thanks to ACN
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Philippians 2:2-4
I’m always the peacemaker in my family, a family of eight siblings. I never side. It’s important to help each other forgive one another. I hate resentment, which becomes a cancer that will continue to grow until it consumes you completely. As we forgive, God fills you with such peace. So as my siblings call to extend their side of the situation, I always ask, are you going to harbor resentment or forgive? It’s humbling to allow God to use me, me. He is awesome!! Thank you for Acn and how it has changed my life. It’s my tool to retire my husband after a heart attack. The personal growth materials are a must!!! See you in Charlotte!
I had nearly given up on ever finding a place where self interest wasn’t the guiding principal, ACN and it’s leadership and especially the words of encouragement from Mr Greg Provenzano inspire me to be a better man and create an environment where I can fulfill a life long desire to help others . Thank you Mr. Provenzano for always coming from a place of deep integrity . Your leadership is a beacon of light!
I help feed and minister to the homeless in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Matthew 25:40
I found that I truly feel good is when I help the senior ministry that Im apart of. Or when when I help a nurse I work with get her job done a little more easier. Or help a physician caring for a patient when they are over stressed looking for a break. Or give an IBO encouragement on a new task when they feel they cant do it. Take your self out the equation the answer will always be right if you truly care.
I grew up in a single parent family and didn’t have 1/10 of what the average children needed in life when they were growing up. And now am a dad and a husband i don’t want my wife and kids to go through what my mother and i went through when i was growing up. This is why failing is not an option for me in this business. Thank you Greg for reminding me why am here and for the inspiration to over come the obsticles in my way.
Way to go Greg. The path of humility is paved by the actions of a good man and his words.
Sandra
Can I have your email address for a private matter
Convincing higher power leading you! As an introvert and in search of God’s service, I am blessed to your work for humanity (for the average people, like me). Amazing to learn human contact via ACN! Humbly yours, student of life!
A true leader, As I saw your words of humble, I have finally found the best word for me ‘Humble’ I have learned, and experience, and have had my highs and lows. But ‘Humble’ is a word to value…this is all I have been waiting for! great words, from a wonderful blessed man. Greg Provenzano.
Now I know what to focus on…ACN for life baby
I have found that serving is the key to leadership. If you are not serving anyone then you are not leading anyone. Yes it is a service to lead others you are serving their need for leadership.
Hi Craig. I have a high efficiency turbine, inexpensive, multifuel (altho Nat Gas is fuel of choice) will be made in USA that can generate and sell electricity at a steep discount. How do I speak to someone of authority within your company?
Mr. Provenzano, Thanks for a great post. I had the same experience this morning. I was the first one in the office and the bathroom had flooded. Picked up a mop and started cleaning. It’s my office, I get to be responsible for it. If something isn’t right in your life or your business, getting to fix it with your own hands is priceless.
Thx so much for this Greg!!!
Well said and so true!
James wallace in Louisville KY
Thanks Greg for your inspirational words. I say to myself never presume anything is a sure thing.
Shaz Wagner
Cairns Queensland Australia
Haha I never thought I would learn so much from someone telling me to take out the garbage. Amazing post with amazing value. Thank you so much for the rocking ACN post