Too much learning is good, but…

Particularly in the West, we may take decades engaged in learning in schools and other institutions, besides what we learn at home, on the streets or temples. And it is not a bad thing.

In fact, learning as a desire, habit or hobby should be part of our personality, specially in our fast-changing world. Even to buy a new cell phone or going to a supermarket after a few months is a challenge.

The reason is that with every change, we need to adapt and to do that in a successful way, there is no alternative to learning. Well, maybe suffering…

And this is the age of changes, they are everywhere for every reason. So, it should be the Age of Learning too.

Why is not so? Why do we see more and more illiterate people in various areas of work or society? There are a few reasons for that.

The first one is to not follow changes. As the learning curve can be quite steep, it may be a wise decision, but not always practical, due to professional or personal commitments. It is the case of many parents having to learn the lingo of social media, so they can help their kids navigate in this new world, even though they may not want to do.

The second reason is that the learning curve is too hard for some people because of their age... There is a paradigm that connects age and change, which means many people just not even try to learn something because they are old. This means they will have difficult to use transportation, to withdraw some money and even to travel. This is not true and there are plenty of examples of people who have challenged these misconceptions. True, it may be hard for some people, but it is possible with some effort.

Another reason is that there is no time to catch up. It happens a lot for those who work in a fast-paced industry, as things can change brusquely and there is no time to really try and grasp what is going on. However, I do remember a former CEO who decided to take a course on accounting after his company suffered a fraud by their accountant. Discernment will guide those people to dedicate their time in learning what is really important, otherwise leadership will help to have the right people surrounding them.

Don’t think you cannot learn. You can, just understand how. And keep on learning…

 

You are someone’s hero and the secret for your success is…

Someone out there is looking at you, they are taking their steps by following you and they quote whatever they hear from you. They may be a relative or friend, perhaps they work with you or they live nearby; you are a hero for them.

What about refining the hero you already are? There are of course lots of trainings you can do, but here is a short list of things you can work, so that your heroism inspires many people to be heroes themselves:

• Egoless. This is a stage of the mind and awareness, but in practice it means to not take credit, share credit with others and be reflexive in relation to whatever happened, accepting errors.
• Knowledge. A leader is the one who is full of knowledge in such an extent that knowledge turns into wisdom… That is the point in which a leader becomes a hero!
• Humility. This is the key for success, it is that point when there is so much self-esteem that the person can acknowledge how others are better than them without loosing the fact they are a hero.

True leaders plant the seeds of new leaders - Reason 37

I will tell you one thing: a good leader is one who is capable of bringing up other leaders.   If a leader wants to lead alone, he is a tyrant.   True leadership is fruitful.   Each one of you has the seed of leadership.   The leaders of today will not be here tomorrow.   If they do not plant the seed of leadership in others, they are worthless.   They are dictators.[1]    Pope Francis

Literature often paints our society as a dance between leaders and followers.  As time passed by it turned to be a dance between followers only.  After all, leaders who are not true, they are indeed following someone else.

Whenever there is a leader who is dedicated to a true leadership, it comes from within.  It is based neither on a position in the organisation, nor even on the capacity to influence.  It comes from a conviction that will inspire and create future leaders, not just more followers.

Pope Francis highlights something very important in this quote:  the‘fake’ leaders who are in a certain position in the organisation or have a huge influence on others, are those who tend to create followers who do not question, and who will remain as followers unless they make a conscious decision to free themselves.

In contrast, true leaders will be surrounded by people who empower themselves and choose a clear destiny.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

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[1] Pope Francis.  He mentioned this during a teleconference with students from Havana and New York.  You can see the article at http://www.edition.cnn.com/2015/09/17/world/pope-francis-new-york-cuba-youth/

Satisfaction is so natural – Reason 38

When you eat something nutritious and tasty, you feel that wonderful sensation, as if the world is the most wonderful place…  But, after a few hours, that type of satisfaction will end, and the same could be said to toys, cars, holidays and people’s company.

Most of the world is looking for a different type of satisfaction, but only find the one that is as ephemeral as it was sung in the 1960’s by The Rolling Stones[1].  Ultimately does not give long-lasting gratification.

One of the reasons is that most of time we take satisfaction from actions and external situations.  However, leaders find satisfaction inside themselves, using the external not as a source, but as a means to make other people realise what the leader is inside.

For instance, maybe a person will look for a friend with whom to talk and go out, and his satisfaction will rely on that interaction.  On the contrary, a leader will have something to talk about and when a friend comes their conversation will happen.

It is good to be a leader as she or he IS a satisfied person, and has no need to create external means in order get to that point.

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[1] (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction is a song composed by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the leaders of The Rolling Stones, launched on June 6^th 1965.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

What is wrong with today’s leadership?

I don’t want to justify the failure in the world’s leadership – and yes, it is a failure, there is no other world that may explain what is happening. However, there is a simple reason that explains it: lack of adaptation.

You see, leaders are masters in dealing with uncertainty, particular the one created by a crisis.

Most of them are also good in overcoming the obstacles that are fruit of a disruption.

So with both paradigms, the leaders can adapt and conquer.

However, very few leaders are ready to deal with uncertainty and disruption at the same time. It is kind of someone who is an expert in surviving an earthquake being affected by it plus a 10-meters wave…

This is why many leaders have chosen to attack the threat that was more visible, but have ignored others…

How to adapt to the convergence of these two paradigms? The best way would be to invest time and energy strengthening the leadership over the self.

At the extent our leaders become self-leaders, it will be easier for them to find certainty within and on the basis of that, they will be able to meet the problems that emerge with the disruption. Adaptation would happen from inside the self, from their thinking and decision-making process, instead of coming as a reaction.

In this way, we can create a better leadership for our civilization.

The eyes of a leader

In the year 86, I have met one of the greatest leaders I have ever known. Much before I heard of all theories and examples of female leadership, before I even thought about studying the topic of leadership, she was already performing it, and very successfully.

I then ask myself: what went wrong with leadership? News and social perception indicates a big lack of leadership in the world, and I guess Dadi’s method could be used to recover a bit of that.

Dadi Prakashmani was the leader of Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual university originally from India, to which I am part for almost 40 years. Her smile and energy used to motivate anyone just by seeing her and probably that is the first thing all leaders should take into account: smile…

But I would like to focus on her eyes, from which you would experience: you are the most important person in the world and I am your friend.

Her eyes used to see others’ specialties, even when they were wrong; of course she would notice others’ errors and correct them, but the feeling was that it was like a mother: I love you no matter what, but I must correct you because I want you to be the best.

Last things I could see in her eyes that could be helpful for any leader:

• There used to be a deep calmness that could calm us very deeply, more than anything we have experienced.
• At the same time, there was such a power; it was as if she was telling: you are going to win, don’t worry about that.

What do you see in your own eyes, leader?

Your life is a big adventure! – Reason 82

Someone said once that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience[1].

For a leader, that human experience is really an adventure!  Leaders can impact so many people and their own adventures; this is why it is so good to be a leader.

Being a leader is not about being the boss, mother or president; it means to be able to navigate in this adventure in such a way that at the end, there will be the pleasure of a fulfilled duty and the legacy you leave behind.

Just let your inner leadership flows through you and your life… And welcome the adventure of being a leader!

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[1] Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a French philosopher and Jesuit priest.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Lives always make sense – Reason 81

Most people do their best to get on with everyone around, at least those people who matter.  This is done because they are pertinent in their lives: they create an impact or they can support the person in their development.

Leaders will see every life as relevant and meaningful.  After all, if this person comes on her or his way, there is a reason, maybe even a secret behind their presence.

They have come to teach or to learn.  Perhaps, they have come to get something or to give something.  It is even possible they have come to create problems, so that the person may grow even more.

It seldom happens they have come so that the leader creates problems to them and in this way, they can grow even more.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

It is the only way to truly satisfy your debt with the planet – Reason 80

Muhammad Ali drew the attention of a generation: on one hand, due to his skills in sports, but on the other hand the person behind those skills was formidable.

Besides fighting for rights of all kinds – including his own[1] – he promoted several causes and quoted at some point a statement all leaders have in their hearts: Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

The world has given each of us so much; leaders know it and they happily help others, by going beyond limitations and live in practice the leadership within, by giving benefit to many people and inspire others, then a person can be up to date with his own duties in relation to the world.

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[1] He refused to be draft into the military, due to his religious beliefs.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

The world needs lasting meaningful changes – Reason 79

Everyone goes through so many changes everyday: weather, people’s mood, our own mood, news, tastes, etc.  It seems people are caught up on a spin that never stops.

Leaders on the other hand manage changes without getting trapped.  The changes are generated from their own decision, will and reflection.  Even when they come from outside, leaders take the change into their hearts and minds, processing them internally and acting according to their plan in life.

It means changes promoted or generated by a leader have significance and they are deep with their effects lasting longer.  Those changes impact others by making them to adapt deeply from their own reflection instead of reaction.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

You share your secrets and deepen relationships – Reason 78

As a person relates to others, willingly or not, he shares secrets that are not told openly, but are necessarily present and important for a person’s life.  They may be a family recipe, hidden fears or a wonderful way to sleep better, but the essence is to share something valuable to others.

In The Art – and science – of sharing a secret[1], Jessica Gross explores the topic, focusing on the benefits of sharing those secrets.  And that is why, to be a leader is a good thing.

Beyond the movies portrait of leaders hiding deep and sensitive secrets from the public, leaders know secrets are valuable not because of its effect, but for the intimate link with personal lives.  When they share them, they do with an open attitude, knowing the relationship being created deepens even more.

Leaders are like teachers, stimulating the other person as a student of life, to research and develop his own secrets.  The effect is a very strong relationship, based on trust and loyalty.

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[1] The article is at this address: https://ideas.ted.com/the-art-and-science-of-sharing-a-secret/

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Wisdom comes from small things in life – Reason 77

Wisdom is much more than knowledge; in contemporary terms, some would define wisdom as the quality we gain through our experience.[1]

How do leaders get wise?  By living life with an open awareness, absorbing reality without feeling hurt and learning from whatever experience that comes on their way.

They don’t wait or expect for a big event in their lives, gurus or miracles.  Instead, they turn the small things in life into seeds that root into themselves and change their lives completely.

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[1] Although there are any works on the subject, check this page: https://www.diffen.com/difference/Knowledge_vs_Wisdom

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

You don’t complain about any situation, because you are the one who designs your life – Reason 76

If there is a claim to be made, that is fair and there should be instruments to help with it, but there is something wrong in a growing trend of complaining.  Complaints seem to give a false sensation to the complainant that things are being solved, and that is very far from truth.

Leaders feel their lives are designed by themselves, so that complaints don’t have a room in their lives.  So, when things go wrong, what do they do?  Instead of complaining, they endeavour every day to improve their reality.

A leader tries his or her best to understand the situation and find a solution and if it is a conflict with another person, leaders try to dialogue with others and reach some reconciliation.

Leaders don’t complain; they reflect and act.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

You live in a palace of mirrors – Reason 75

Life is like a game of living mirrors and knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or unwillingly, we replicate others’ gestures, expressions and their way of life.  At times; at other times, they replicate ours…

Normal people don’t like that idea as they thrive to be genuine, but this is not something to be afraid of, after all we are part of a whole.

Leaders go beyond copying as they learn from others and they are comfortable with that.  Although many people have the idea leaders always lead by themselves, going through a unique pathway, it is not totally true…  Most of the time, they are following a path someone else has designed.

When it is time for a leader to be an example for others, she or he is always ready in their awareness and attitude.  They do it not out of arrogance, but as a means of gratitude, paying forward all the lessons they have learned.  They do it because they know they are designing a path for others to follow.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

There is no other way to create your future – Reason 74

What is true: do you create your future or the future creates you?

Normally, future creates the person, which means two things: first, external situations and the environment shape their future lives and, second, worries of possible future scenarios create an unbearable pressure.  Passively, they just respond to whatever comes to them, trying their best to adapt to those circumstances.

However, leaders are change agents who generate the future.  Every time a leader makes a decision, have a dialogue with someone or work on a project, she or he is changing not only their own path, but also the future where they all will live.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Your goals are easily fulfilled - Reason 73

Life is like a big and apparently endless game and, whether you want or not, as you are playing, you are looking forward to score a goal.  Many goals…

However, it is complicated and that is part of the game.  The adversary won’t allow you to do that easily; similarly, in life, we have many adversaries, which are the many circumstances that look like they are trying to prevent us to succeed, to score a goal or fulfil an objective.  Most people simply enjoy playing the game, forgetting their own goals.

A leader doesn’t follow that idea; she or he has always a strategy or tactic to overcome these obstacles and to fulfil his or her aim.  After all, when leaders score a goal, they are doing for all the people in relationship with them as they inspire them to do the same with their own lives.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

You are the sparrow, not the snail, of your story - Reason 72

Would you rather be a sparrow than a snail?  An old song[1] used to do issue this challenge, which could be translated into: Would you rather be a hero than a victim?

OK, victim is a strong word, but reality is: most people are trapped in their own world, like snails that cannot fly.  Normal people avoid or are prevented to look into the sky, leave earth and the possibility of creating a new reality.

Leaders create their own story and they fly very high, avoiding traps and attempts of decreasing their value.  Leaders are heroes, flying sparrows in the sky of their lives.

What makes the difference is the fact a leader sees her or his reality as a set of choices and makes the best use of it.  So, instead of dragging on the earth of their decisions, in the case they went wrong, leaders reflect, open their wings and fly, not away, but into the situation, changing it and opening new possibilities.

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[1] El Condor Pasa (The Condor Passes) is a song composed by Paul Simon in 1970, based on a Peruvian folklore song .  You can watch it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pey29CLID3I

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)