Like many areas of my life, I balance a delicate paradox. As a naturally introverted person, preferring quiet solitude, somebody who needs to recharge, I occasionally find myself in leadership positions, whether in the form of group projects or sports teams.

Leadership styles tend to vary, along with people’s definition of being a leader. Often being a leader means executing deliverables, especially in this fast-paced American society of today. Meeting deadlines, winning championships, successful projects are prime examples.

As I write this little piece under a red terracotta roof in Florence, the birds singing their spring songs, il Duomo in the background, beaming in a midmorning sun, a realization struck me:

Leaders often need an ego, a certain level of self-belief to achieve something. People often find themselves in leadership positions because they feel they are the best suited to combat a problem. However, especially in contemporary times, it is imperative to be selfless and have faith in others.

The construction of il Duomo is a prime example, spanning over a century. The original architects, the first of a few generations to work on the project, accepted how the cathedral would be completed after their death with grace, understanding the greater gravity of the project, knowing how their work fit into a larger picture. By the time of the cathedral’s original construction, the engineering expertise and technology developments were not capable of constructing the dome. However, there was the rampant belief the city would “figure it out.”

As I sit in a shaded outdoor library typing this, il Duomo still stands, a testament to the Florentine brilliance demonstrated centuries ago. I hope to emulate this humility in my own life, both in professional and personal endeavors.