"There is no real excellence in all this world which can be separated from right living." -David Starr Jordan *
"Right living" speaks of a way of life, it is not something you do for two days or two weeks. It is a default mode life style. Something you eventually do over an extended amount of time without thinking too much about it.
For most of us that does not just happen by itself! The default mode of life that we tend to fall back on in times of stress or busyness, would in most cases not be described with the term "right living." The way we behave and react, the things we do and don't do and how we do it, in short the auto pilot mode in our lives comes from somewhere. -Habits!
We are creatures of habit, be that good or bad one's! Over time we settle into certain tendencies or practises and that behaviour eventually becomes part of our mental attitude and character. You did not wake up one morning and find that you are doing something or living in a certain way, you have created habits in your live. We train ourselves over time to live and behave in a certain way and many times we don't like the results!
Studies have shown that it takes between 21 and 66 days to form a new habit, or to replace one. The success of such an exercise depends on how consciously aware you are of why you want to change that habit and how focused and determined you are to really do it! It also depends on the basis of the new habit.
(Good) habits are derived from principles. "Principles are like lighthouses." -Stephen Covey ** -They show the way. Every habit in our lives can be traced back to a principle. The habit will either affirm a certain principle, or try to avoid it.
What are the habits in your live? (Good and bad)
What are the principles that they are based upon or trying to avoid?
Do these habits take you to a life of "right living" and excellence?
_________
* David Starr Jordan (1851-1931) was a well known ichthyologist (A zoologist that studies fish), an educator and a peace activist. He was also president of Indiana University.
** Stephen Covey, Page 33, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 1992
Friday, 7 September 2012
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
LIVING
I know some people that would probably be declared alive by doctors in the context of a hospital, but they surely ain't living!
There is a big difference between being alive and really living your life........
Some of us are just alive. We're existing. We see a revolving door of dawn and dusk. Days, months and years come and go. They may be filled with activities, but they do not add depth and meaning to our lives.
I see many people making a living, some with great effort and even pain! They provide the means to support their existence: Accommodation, transport, clothes, food, etc. -But no inspiration! They are paying the bills and calling it life!
Someone one once said that there is more to life than increasing it's speed. Yet in many ways that is what we are pushed to. The way we live and expect to live, drives us to a picture pretend, "made in Hollywood" lifestyle that for many of us, leads to burnout and regret. Many of those wrecked and burned by racing, spend their days just existing.......
If living faster and "higher" is the ultimate highway lane to success, then why do we find so many people unhappy and unfulfilled, disillusioned, negative and bitter about their lives, wanting out?? Why do people sometimes fantasize about living a "slow" life somewhere in the countryside? Living honestly and real.
We all have the ability to live our life to the full, and most of the time that fullness is not equal to a certain standard of living in monetary terms! Really living your life has a lot to do with three P's. [Ya, eating more than three peas now and then will also help....] Really living your life has a lot to do with:
Purpose: Finding the reason for your existence, why you were called into being -and striving to fulfil it.
Passion: Finding your own (not someone else's) and following it.
Pace: Setting a sustainable pace to make sure that you can do what you want and have to do and keep on enjoying it over the full span of your life.
I believe that when we finish the "race" of life, we should arrive at the finish line with our loved ones, our health, our sanity and our faith intact....
May you LIVE until you die!
[May you never spend a single day just existing...]
There is a big difference between being alive and really living your life........
Some of us are just alive. We're existing. We see a revolving door of dawn and dusk. Days, months and years come and go. They may be filled with activities, but they do not add depth and meaning to our lives.
I see many people making a living, some with great effort and even pain! They provide the means to support their existence: Accommodation, transport, clothes, food, etc. -But no inspiration! They are paying the bills and calling it life!
Someone one once said that there is more to life than increasing it's speed. Yet in many ways that is what we are pushed to. The way we live and expect to live, drives us to a picture pretend, "made in Hollywood" lifestyle that for many of us, leads to burnout and regret. Many of those wrecked and burned by racing, spend their days just existing.......
If living faster and "higher" is the ultimate highway lane to success, then why do we find so many people unhappy and unfulfilled, disillusioned, negative and bitter about their lives, wanting out?? Why do people sometimes fantasize about living a "slow" life somewhere in the countryside? Living honestly and real.
We all have the ability to live our life to the full, and most of the time that fullness is not equal to a certain standard of living in monetary terms! Really living your life has a lot to do with three P's. [Ya, eating more than three peas now and then will also help....] Really living your life has a lot to do with:
Purpose: Finding the reason for your existence, why you were called into being -and striving to fulfil it.
Passion: Finding your own (not someone else's) and following it.
Pace: Setting a sustainable pace to make sure that you can do what you want and have to do and keep on enjoying it over the full span of your life.
I believe that when we finish the "race" of life, we should arrive at the finish line with our loved ones, our health, our sanity and our faith intact....
May you LIVE until you die!
[May you never spend a single day just existing...]
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Serenity
[I've been on holiday & thus also took a break from blogging.]
Our recent holiday was a road trip of nearly two weeks. It took us through different biospheres and parts of our beautiful country. We experienced cold, rain and stormy conditions, as well as glorious sunshine days and landscape scenes of serene tranquillity and beauty!
In reflecting on this trip and on what is left over, or stays on in my mind about it, I have found that even though holidays come and go and work prevails, you can find and hold on to a piece of peace that surpasses circumstances and understanding. It is possible to go through your fast moving busy day, with a sense of immovable, solid peace intact. In fact, that peace can be a source of strength and stability.
One can lead from a place of inner peace, or a place of inner unrest. All leaders experience times where they are providing leadership, while at the same time a storm is raging in their mind and emotions. Many times this storm in your inner being has very little, or even nothing to do with the people or situation that you are addressing at that moment. Unfortunately they (normally) still suffer the consequences!
To be leading from a place of constant inner turmoil and unrest will have dire consequences in the long run.It is a source of major distress and a variety of health problems in the lives of many leaders!
No one should live in a storm for ever. No one should live life in a constant state of inner turmoil. We should all frequently go to a place of peace. Physical and Spiritual. A Place where you can experience and absorb serenity. Serenity that you can keep in your heart and hold on to in turbulent days! Much like the words of a song we used to sing as students: "Catch a falling star and put in in your pocket, save it for a rainy day......-Then you'll have a pocket full of starlight!"
That is why David in the well known Psalm 23 said: "The Lord....lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water."
There is two things that we need to do: 1. Identify the origin and content of the storms in our lives and try to eliminate and prevent, or avoid that as much as possible. 2. Identify where and what it is that brings peace into your life and do that more often! -Lead from a inner place of serenity!!
Our recent holiday was a road trip of nearly two weeks. It took us through different biospheres and parts of our beautiful country. We experienced cold, rain and stormy conditions, as well as glorious sunshine days and landscape scenes of serene tranquillity and beauty!
In reflecting on this trip and on what is left over, or stays on in my mind about it, I have found that even though holidays come and go and work prevails, you can find and hold on to a piece of peace that surpasses circumstances and understanding. It is possible to go through your fast moving busy day, with a sense of immovable, solid peace intact. In fact, that peace can be a source of strength and stability.
One can lead from a place of inner peace, or a place of inner unrest. All leaders experience times where they are providing leadership, while at the same time a storm is raging in their mind and emotions. Many times this storm in your inner being has very little, or even nothing to do with the people or situation that you are addressing at that moment. Unfortunately they (normally) still suffer the consequences!
To be leading from a place of constant inner turmoil and unrest will have dire consequences in the long run.It is a source of major distress and a variety of health problems in the lives of many leaders!
No one should live in a storm for ever. No one should live life in a constant state of inner turmoil. We should all frequently go to a place of peace. Physical and Spiritual. A Place where you can experience and absorb serenity. Serenity that you can keep in your heart and hold on to in turbulent days! Much like the words of a song we used to sing as students: "Catch a falling star and put in in your pocket, save it for a rainy day......-Then you'll have a pocket full of starlight!"
That is why David in the well known Psalm 23 said: "The Lord....lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water."
There is two things that we need to do: 1. Identify the origin and content of the storms in our lives and try to eliminate and prevent, or avoid that as much as possible. 2. Identify where and what it is that brings peace into your life and do that more often! -Lead from a inner place of serenity!!
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| At Golden Gate near Clarens in the Eastern Free State. |
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| On the outskirts of Montagu in the Western Cape. |
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
The i's in team
We have probably all heard the saying: "There is no I in team." -Meaning that there is no room for individual agendas and egos when working together in a team that wants to be successful.
I have recently heard some one said: "There ís an I in team, you just can't see it." As a matter of fact, there are many I's in team! The meaning of the word and the concept "TEAM" points to the fact that it consists of different individuals working or playing together.
A bunch of different individuals tossed together in a group, does not necessarily makes them a team. A Team is more than a list of names under the same heading. TEAM starts to develop only when ALL the individuals, all the I's in a group makes the conscious decision to work together. This working together must be for a specific purpose, or vision that is bigger than any one of them individually and bigger than the sum of their "greatness" as a group. In can be said that the roots of team lies in a shared vision and purpose.
A group of individuals will become a team when they work or play together to accomplish a shared purpose, but that is only possible when every team member knows how and when that purpose is achieved. Everybody needs to be clear on what a "win" means, as well as how it is achieved. Without that, it is impossible to know when "we" have achieved anything and the feeling of togetherness will fade easily.
Another important element in creating and growing a team, is that the right people -individuals with the needed abilities- are part of the team. Each one (of the right people) on the team should have a clear understanding of what their specific role on the team is. -Why are they there? What is expected of them and what would be a "win" for them personally?
I believe that the power of a team does not lie in conformity, but in their unity within diversity. Being part of a team should not mean that you have to give up your identity and God given uniqueness. That uniqueness should be applied to enhance the ability and depth of the team.
There is an I in team, it is an i:
-Who is willing to commit to something larger than self.
-Who appreciates the differentness of others and empowers them.
-Who support and encourage fellow team members.
-Who cherishes togetherness and shared success.
IS THERE ROOM FOR A TEAM IN YOUR I?
I have recently heard some one said: "There ís an I in team, you just can't see it." As a matter of fact, there are many I's in team! The meaning of the word and the concept "TEAM" points to the fact that it consists of different individuals working or playing together.
A bunch of different individuals tossed together in a group, does not necessarily makes them a team. A Team is more than a list of names under the same heading. TEAM starts to develop only when ALL the individuals, all the I's in a group makes the conscious decision to work together. This working together must be for a specific purpose, or vision that is bigger than any one of them individually and bigger than the sum of their "greatness" as a group. In can be said that the roots of team lies in a shared vision and purpose.
A group of individuals will become a team when they work or play together to accomplish a shared purpose, but that is only possible when every team member knows how and when that purpose is achieved. Everybody needs to be clear on what a "win" means, as well as how it is achieved. Without that, it is impossible to know when "we" have achieved anything and the feeling of togetherness will fade easily.
Another important element in creating and growing a team, is that the right people -individuals with the needed abilities- are part of the team. Each one (of the right people) on the team should have a clear understanding of what their specific role on the team is. -Why are they there? What is expected of them and what would be a "win" for them personally?
I believe that the power of a team does not lie in conformity, but in their unity within diversity. Being part of a team should not mean that you have to give up your identity and God given uniqueness. That uniqueness should be applied to enhance the ability and depth of the team.
There is an I in team, it is an i:
-Who is willing to commit to something larger than self.
-Who appreciates the differentness of others and empowers them.
-Who support and encourage fellow team members.
-Who cherishes togetherness and shared success.
IS THERE ROOM FOR A TEAM IN YOUR I?
Friday, 22 June 2012
Heart
In most organizations the leader forms the heart, the central part around which almost everything evolves. If you were to take this heart out unexpectedly, or without someone stepping into that space, the organization will probably struggle to thrive and even to survive.
It happens often that this person who is the heart of the organization, does not have a heart! Leaders in other organizations, colleagues and employees describes him/ her as "heartless".
It's amazing that you can find numerous websites on "How to have a cold heart", but practically none about how to become a warm hearted person! On how to become heartless, I have sourced the following:
1. Do not accept apologies from anybody about anything.
2. Focus only on the task at hand, not the people involved in getting it done.
3. Do not reflect on, or celebrate successes, always think and talk about what still needs to be done.
4. Be angry at everybody about everything.
5. Always be callous, curt and distant. Do not show any signs of affection or care.
6. Be unavailable and always too busy for talk about personal issues.
If you do this long enough, you will surely become a cold and heartless person. If that is what you want to be.... (I worked with a leader once who actually wanted people to fear him and to experience him as strict and curt!)
By far, most people are positive and enthusiastic about a leader (as well as a colleague or a friend) with a heart. -Rather than the opposite.
So: How do you become a person with a heart? I think the comprehensive answer would be this: Learn to appreciate and love people. -I say comprehensive, because to learn to appreciate and love people is certainly not simple. For some of us it is really not easy to show interest in people and not only in the tasks that needs to be done to reach the goals that we have set.
If you want to have a heart, you would have to work at this: Learn to listen to people, be more understanding and sympathetic. Be more compassionate. Bé a fellow human. Learn to show some emotion. Show grace!
Think on this: Is your heart for the people you work with growing or shrinking? -What would the implications of that be for you as a person? -And as a leader?
It happens often that this person who is the heart of the organization, does not have a heart! Leaders in other organizations, colleagues and employees describes him/ her as "heartless".
It's amazing that you can find numerous websites on "How to have a cold heart", but practically none about how to become a warm hearted person! On how to become heartless, I have sourced the following:
1. Do not accept apologies from anybody about anything.
2. Focus only on the task at hand, not the people involved in getting it done.
3. Do not reflect on, or celebrate successes, always think and talk about what still needs to be done.
4. Be angry at everybody about everything.
5. Always be callous, curt and distant. Do not show any signs of affection or care.
6. Be unavailable and always too busy for talk about personal issues.
If you do this long enough, you will surely become a cold and heartless person. If that is what you want to be.... (I worked with a leader once who actually wanted people to fear him and to experience him as strict and curt!)
By far, most people are positive and enthusiastic about a leader (as well as a colleague or a friend) with a heart. -Rather than the opposite.
So: How do you become a person with a heart? I think the comprehensive answer would be this: Learn to appreciate and love people. -I say comprehensive, because to learn to appreciate and love people is certainly not simple. For some of us it is really not easy to show interest in people and not only in the tasks that needs to be done to reach the goals that we have set.
If you want to have a heart, you would have to work at this: Learn to listen to people, be more understanding and sympathetic. Be more compassionate. Bé a fellow human. Learn to show some emotion. Show grace!
Think on this: Is your heart for the people you work with growing or shrinking? -What would the implications of that be for you as a person? -And as a leader?
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Followership
We are all familiar with the saying that "everything rises and falls on leadership." I fully agree with this notion: The quality of leadership; the integrity of a leader; the pro-activity, or passivity. -In short, the type and level of leadership, is in direct correlation to the effectiveness, innovation and growth path of any organization.
Leadership is very important. In many ways we underestimate the impact of bad leadership, or the lack of leadership in the world. There is a growing need in an ever increasing scope of society for "better" leaders.
BUT: I think that we as leaders sometimes overestimate our importance as leaders, as being the primary indicator of organizational effectiveness and success.We tend to forget, or at least underestimate the importance of followers and what I like to call followership.
Without followers there will be no real leaders. Central to the understanding of the concept of leadership, is the fact that the leader leads somebody, or something. Without followers the person who thinks that he/ she is leading, is in fact only taking a stroll -and that could become a lonely solitary walk!
Followers are those people who support the leader. They believe in what he/she does, or endeavours to do. They are adherents and attendants, fans and some would say disciples of the leader.
I believe that there is a growing need for followers in the world: People who are really willing to follow the vision, passion and direction of someone else. People who will give their undivided support and loyalty to someone other than their own being. People who are willing to push aside their own agenda and ambitions for that of somebody else. -In a time of ultimate self-centredness, that is a scarce commodity!
The best leaders come from amongst the group of people who knows and understands what it means to be a follower. Leaders should intentionally place themselves in situations where they are required to be followers. -Only by experiencing and understanding followership, can you grow in leadership.
Would you be willing to follow the leader that you are? -Why should anybody else follow you?
Leadership is very important. In many ways we underestimate the impact of bad leadership, or the lack of leadership in the world. There is a growing need in an ever increasing scope of society for "better" leaders.
BUT: I think that we as leaders sometimes overestimate our importance as leaders, as being the primary indicator of organizational effectiveness and success.We tend to forget, or at least underestimate the importance of followers and what I like to call followership.
Without followers there will be no real leaders. Central to the understanding of the concept of leadership, is the fact that the leader leads somebody, or something. Without followers the person who thinks that he/ she is leading, is in fact only taking a stroll -and that could become a lonely solitary walk!
Followers are those people who support the leader. They believe in what he/she does, or endeavours to do. They are adherents and attendants, fans and some would say disciples of the leader.
I believe that there is a growing need for followers in the world: People who are really willing to follow the vision, passion and direction of someone else. People who will give their undivided support and loyalty to someone other than their own being. People who are willing to push aside their own agenda and ambitions for that of somebody else. -In a time of ultimate self-centredness, that is a scarce commodity!
The best leaders come from amongst the group of people who knows and understands what it means to be a follower. Leaders should intentionally place themselves in situations where they are required to be followers. -Only by experiencing and understanding followership, can you grow in leadership.
Would you be willing to follow the leader that you are? -Why should anybody else follow you?
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Leadership 101.5
In the world Cafe style of shared learning we sit around tables with cuppuccinos and lattes.
Some sit with their apple/-juice and we talk. We talk about talk. (Have you noticed how many times we tend to do that?)
Whenever there is talk about leadership some of the following questions and concepts are always part of the conversation: How does a person become a leader? Can leadership be learned?
Are we all leaders? Do you need a title (to lead)? What IS leadership again??
You can Google a 1000 definitions of leadership and we will still be talking and asking the same questions. This is because leadership is not static.It has many faces and facets. It can be personal, individualistic, dictatorial, corporate, collective, strategic, operational, + + +
-At is best leadership is situational and contextual.
One of the first definitions about leadership that I was exposed to, was the one by J.Oswald Sanders: "Leadership is influence." It still speaks to leadership on many levels.
The ancient Greeks used the word "strategos", or strategist and the Romans had the Latin concept of "imperator" to describe a military strategist. This later became "Emperor" or Ruler, wich is not what we generally have in mind when we talk about leadership these days.
The world is in need of effective leadership. Countries like China tries everything to lure talented people to the different levels of their leadership needs. "We can compensate for the absence of many skills and resources, but we struggle to overcome the absence of effective leadership".
-George Barna.
How much of this effective leadership lies in leadership skills? -The ability to think strategically,
to see a different future and to work at realizing it. How much of it lies in Emotional-, Spiritual-, Moral- and Social Intelligence? How much in character?
To paraphrase the former US Forces Commander and Chief, Norman Schwarzkopf: -Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. -If you have to leave one: Leave strategy.!
Some sit with their apple/-juice and we talk. We talk about talk. (Have you noticed how many times we tend to do that?)
Whenever there is talk about leadership some of the following questions and concepts are always part of the conversation: How does a person become a leader? Can leadership be learned?
Are we all leaders? Do you need a title (to lead)? What IS leadership again??
You can Google a 1000 definitions of leadership and we will still be talking and asking the same questions. This is because leadership is not static.It has many faces and facets. It can be personal, individualistic, dictatorial, corporate, collective, strategic, operational, + + +
-At is best leadership is situational and contextual.
One of the first definitions about leadership that I was exposed to, was the one by J.Oswald Sanders: "Leadership is influence." It still speaks to leadership on many levels.
The ancient Greeks used the word "strategos", or strategist and the Romans had the Latin concept of "imperator" to describe a military strategist. This later became "Emperor" or Ruler, wich is not what we generally have in mind when we talk about leadership these days.
The world is in need of effective leadership. Countries like China tries everything to lure talented people to the different levels of their leadership needs. "We can compensate for the absence of many skills and resources, but we struggle to overcome the absence of effective leadership".
-George Barna.
How much of this effective leadership lies in leadership skills? -The ability to think strategically,
to see a different future and to work at realizing it. How much of it lies in Emotional-, Spiritual-, Moral- and Social Intelligence? How much in character?
To paraphrase the former US Forces Commander and Chief, Norman Schwarzkopf: -Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. -If you have to leave one: Leave strategy.!
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