The third degree of humility is that a person for love of God submit himself to his Superior in all obedience, imitating the Lord, of whom the Apostle says, "He became obedient even unto death."

Is there a secular analogy to this rule?

In most communities there is some sort of hierarchy. But not every person in authority is our Superior in the same context as Benedict assumes.

Still, might obedience be a helpful response?

Obedience - the Latin is oboedientia - is to hear. Ought we not always listen carefully, endeavor to fully understand, and - unless clearly contrary to God's word - seek to do what we hear?

At the very least, superior or not, listening is the place to start.