Thought for the Day: The Humble Leader

Thought for the Day

For Every Adversity (or Failure)

Like so many outcomes, solutions and results driven people, I sometimes struggle with accepting failure. The lesson is really challenging when the failure results in the death of others, as was the case recently with the execution of two Australian citizens in Indonesia.

I have been a vocal activist against the death penalty for many years. Although I accept that many support it. However, the point of this piece,  isn’t about the death penalty, I mentioned it merely to provide context. The point is about discovery and finding the positives from failure.

My recent experience taught me a valuable lesson. And that is, in observing us; how we address objections to our case and how we frame our arguments, we often unknowingly have a positive influence on others. Whilst we might have failed in our initial objectives, we may just have achieved something else that is positive.

When Indonesia announced their plans to proceed with executions, I (like so many others)  felt like I had let a lot of people down. I felt like a complete failure. I  shared this with a group of friends on social media. I was blown away to receive a private message from one of my friends. It reads:

“If I may Kate, can I just say that you and all those who tried, didn't fail one bit. You've opened more eyes to really think about life, repentance, service, forgiveness and caring. At least, that's my takeaway as someone who didn't really pay attention in the beginning. Bless you and all those people, Kate.”

In a world, that is so often cold and unforgiving, to have influenced others to think and to be more forgiving themselves and to show compassion and caring for others is wonderful. I am grateful to my friend for sharing his lessons with me. Next time, I'll do more to find the positives. The following is indeed true.

“For every adversity, there is the seed of equivalent or greater benefit” …

Judgement

 

When I saw this,  it reminded me of a story about my mother and judging people.

 

 

 

I have always had a very keen interest in religion. It stems from an inquiring mind and wanting to understand people, their beliefs and therefore their foundations. I believe this is very important, particularly if you are engaging with and working with people in different countries and from different backgrounds and different cultures.

 

 

Places of worship (doesn’t really matter what your personal beliefs are) are also great places to visit if you are looking for some peace and reflection time. Although I must confess, there have been some churches and cathedrals I visited (in Spain as example) were I felt very uncomfortable. The spirits of the bloody past were definitely still hanging around.

 

There are two locations in and around Sydney which I believe are ideal places to just visit and contemplate; the Buddhist temple near Wollongong and the other location is, the Baha’i, Ingleside.

 

Some years back, I was discussing these places with my mother. She mentioned she had never visited the Baha’i temple so I agreed to take her there. When we are arrived the place was deserted; peaceful and calm.  We wandered around the building and then proceeded to go inside. I was deeply engrossed in thinking and admiring the architecture and hadn’t noticed my mother had left the building. I went outside to find her deep in conversation with two bikies.  They were the typical bikie stereotypes; Harley’s, leather riding gear and tats. Bikies have always fascinated me. I think this is because they are so far removed from my life. By the same token, they also scare me. So I was somewhat alarmed to see my mother talking with two of them. Mum looked up, sighted me and bid farewell to the two guys.

 

As we drove off, I launched into the typical daughter chastising a ‘naughty’ child routine. Mum was silent for a minute and then she said “Just a minute young lady, I am your mother, I don’t need a ticking off from you, thank you.” She went on and asked what I knew about the two men. Naturally my answer was nothing.  She then proceeded to tell me what happened.

 

She had left the temple and was enjoying the peace and quiet in the fresh air. Up rode the two bikies. They got off their bikes and walked over to her and said “Isn’t this lovely place”.  They then proceeded to share with my mum that they had been collecting toys for underprivileged kids and were lamenting how tough it is for kids like that. They stopped by the temple to recharge and then they were off to do some work with a kid’s shelter. At this point I felt a bit embarrassed. My parents had always taught me and brother and sister not to judge others. Most importantly, to take the time to get to know someone, before you form your opinion of them.  I deliberately didn’t just the word judgement. I’m not sure anymore that we have the right to judge others. It sounds so very superior.

 

I was very quick to ‘judge’ the bikies by their bike, their leathers and their tats. It turns out the two men in question weren’t members of a gang; they were simply two guys who like riding bikes and helping others.  The messages my mum left me were these:

 

• Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions based on what you see and not what you hear
• Take time to get to know someone
• The guy in the gutter might not be a wino or a tramp, he may just be someone who has fallen on hard times and isn’t coping so well
• Form your opinions on individuals not collectives of people
• Observe and trust your gut instinct

 

Not a bad list.  

Kate's Quotes

Use your fear as a positive force. Don't give in to it.

Relevancy and Purpose

Changes in our circumstances like losing your job, retiring, not being fulfilled in your work, having a troubled home life can often lead to feelings of lack of relevancy. Feelings of a lack of real purpose. This can and does often lead to depression. 

"Relevancy, as long as we maintain it, is rewarding on almost every level. But when we lose it? Withdrawal can be painful."

But each and every one of us can rebuild relevancy and purpose by the simple act of helping others. 

Achieve Your Potential

People are remarkable, each and every one of us in our own way make the world what it is. We are capable to achieving great things, for ourselves as well as helping others to do the same.  That is much more rewarding than creating chaos and hurt.