How to bring the ‘very humble’ craze into your work life

You may have heard the echoes of people replaying TikTok creator Jools Lebron’s viral video until the cows and curling irons come home.

“See how I do my makeup for work? Very humble, very conscious,” Lebron began, describing her approach to her “respectful” look for a day at the office.

Since posting the video in early August, Chicago resident Lebron, who specializes in makeup and appearance tutorials, has garnered nearly 53 million views and sparked a digital obsession with achieving such a reserved yet polished look.

“Being humble can actually benefit you at work,” agreed Avery Morgan, chief communications officer at EduBirdie, noting that the outlook includes a mindset that promotes awareness, confidence and calm under pressure that resonates in your life. of work.

Ahead, career pros share how to be a surefire career winner.

Send discreet emails

Eliana Goldstein, a certified professional career coach and founder of Eliana Goldstein Coaching in NYC, says being humble and mindful is all about having good etiquette and being considerate of others.

“At work, this would translate as well-organized and polite,” Goldstein said of this clear, concise and well-written approach to workplace correspondence. Here’s an example shared by Goldstein of a moderated email template:

Beloved [Name]I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to proceed gently [specific task or project]. If there is anything you need from me to help move things along, please feel free to let me know. I am here to support in any way I can. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your efforts. Kind regards, [Your Name].

Practice mindful listening

Morgan says being humble starts with listening more than talking.

“In meetings or one-on-ones, put your phone on silent and turn off notifications to give your full attention. Focus on the speaker’s words, tone and body language without formulating a response too quickly,” she said.

When it’s your turn, pause for a moment to gather your thoughts, then give a thoughtful response. It’s about quality over speed in your communication. Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions. Instead, answer thoughtfully, showing you’ve processed the information,” Morgan added.

Yes, this attitude also applies to Zoom meetings. “We can all see when you’re multitasking — scrolling, reading email or zoning out,” warned Christina Campoy, a career coach and founder of Elevate Chief Officer in New York City.

Instead, listening intently and being fully present not only helps the meeting go faster, but also ensures you catch the key details and contribute meaningfully.

Take your lunch break

“Putting a salad on your desk while you’re emailing is not very conscientious or humble. Taking this time for yourself is important to nourish your body and refresh your mind,” says Campoy, adding that doing so isn’t a sign of weakness — it signals that you’re in control of your workload. and understand the importance of balance.

“If you’re in the habit of working through lunch, start by taking just 10 minutes to focus on something that’s just for you. Small steps can make a big difference in breaking the cycle,” she added.

Don’t forgive me

“Continually apologizing to your team members is not very conscientious, not very humble,” said Campoy, who admits she’s all for owning up to your mistakes when necessary, but apologizing for issues small ones nullifies the effectiveness of a real apology when it is really needed.

Campoy recommends swapping “sorry” for “thanks.” For example, instead of “sorry for the delay,” try “thank you for your patience.”

“See how I’m constantly not apologizing for things that aren’t really mistakes? By moving from unnecessary apologies to expressions of gratitude, you’re fostering a more confident and thoughtful presence,” Campoy explained. This subtle shift promotes a culture of respect and mindfulness, where the focus is on appreciation rather than self-blame.

Focus, pause, recharge, repeat

Morgan uses this mantra to further project a humble presence at work.

“Keep your to-do list focused on what really matters by prioritizing quality over quantity. This measured approach helps prevent overwhelm and ensures that each task gets the attention it deserves,” she said. “After completing a task or finishing a phone call, take a break—whether it’s enjoying a coffee, stretching, or going outside for some fresh air.”

Work smarter, not harder

When you’re “very humble, very conscientious” in a professional capacity, Campoy points out, you don’t need to volunteer for every little opportunity that comes your way.

“Overcommitting can lead to burnout and reduce the quality of your work. Instead, strive for fewer, higher-visibility projects that align with your strengths and career goals,” she said. “By working smarter, not harder, you’ll have a bigger impact with less effort, showing that deliberate choices lead to more meaningful contributions.”

Avoid drama in the office

Besides, you know, keeping your sanity intact and fast-tracking career success, avoiding office drama is good for those looking to emulate your humbler self.

You’ll want to keep a calm and neutral stance, Morgan said.

“Instead of engaging in gossip or conflict, focus on positive interactions and constructive feedback. When drama comes up, don’t take sides and don’t get involved,” she said. “Just listen, acknowledge the issue, and redirect conversations to solutions or work-related topics.”

If nothing else, make a vow to wait 15 minutes and take a deep breath before getting involved in heated office politics.

Don’t you feel humbled already?