As we focus this first quarter on Healthy Leaders, I’m reminded that one of the most important—and often overlooked—indicators of a Healthy Leader is humility. Not the kind that downplays confidence or conviction but one that keeps a Leader grounded, open and genuinely connected to the People they serve. Healthy Leaders understand that Leadership isn’t about position or recognition. It’s about service, trust and putting others first.

Which turns my thoughts immediately to Colleen Barrett. Colleen led with a quiet strength rooted in humility. She never needed the spotlight, yet her influence was undeniable. She showed us what it looked like to lead with heart—listening first, serving Employees and staying true to the values that make Southwest special. Her example continues to shape how many of us think about Leadership today.

I once heard a leader in a training class say he was far more valuable to the company doing his day-to-day work than sitting in a classroom discussing things he already knows. I could empathize. Deadlines are real. Experience is real. And yet, the statement brought me to wonder. How many leaders reach a point where development becomes a box to check rather than a discipline to practice? A healthy leader knows that transformation never stops. When a healthy person stops eating well or exercising regularly, the decline may not be immediate, but it is inevitable. Healthy habits may look repetitive on the surface, yet the benefits compound over time. Leadership growth works the same way.

Imagine two lists. One contains the qualities that a businessperson should have. The other includes the attributes that most would say they wouldn’t want to have. There’s only one word I can think of that might top both lists: vulnerability. Whether we’re talking about leadership, teamwork, or client service, there is no more powerful attribute than the ability to be genuinely honest about one’s weaknesses, mistakes, and need for help. Nothing inspires trust in another human being like vulnerability. There’s something immensely attractive and inspiring about humility and graciousness.