Mary Oliver, Gorbachev, Thatcher, Mr. Rogers, Court Jesters, and Bhangra
1
The Guardian article, “The one question we all need to ask ourselves – and how to tune in to the answer” is of course about the Mary Oliver quote, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”. I’m not keeping official track, but I think Mary Oliver quotes are on the rise, particularly this one. But Mary Oliver aside (although I’m left wondering why we don’t quote her thoughts about scavenging and solitude more), I was taken by what the author, Moya Sarner had to say about the importance of the graft (hard work) of learning to listen.
2
In my coaching practice, I have witnessed that when leaders are aware of and know how to work with their “core”, they develop a resilience and wisdom that shows up in their emotional intelligence, their ability to have positive influence, and their strong sense of self-worth, dignity, and genuine well-being. It becomes part of their “flow” where a sustained personal growth is enjoyable, rewarding, and almost second nature.
I have put quotes around “core” and “flow” as their use in this way isn’t mine but from the HBR piece, “Leading in the Flow of Work” by Hitendra Wadhwa. I found this article compelling; who doesn’t like to have yards of scientific data and a Columbia Business School prof back up their own thinking – I certainly do. 🙂 And as if that wasn’t enough for me, it had the Gorbachev and Thatcher lunch at Chequers story which is a keeper. Imagine being there when Gorbachev said to Thatcher, “Let me assure you that I have not come here with instructions from the Politburo to persuade you to become a member of the Communist Party.”
That was Gorbachev tapping into his core, his peak performance, getting into the flow, and making a difference in the world.
3
We hold complexity and multitudes within ourselves. This can make it challenging to understand and manage our myriad of feelings (keeping in mind that we are not our feelings) that without our awareness can sneak up and sabotage our best intentions. Thankfully we were gifted with the wisdom of Mr. Rogers brought to us by the good folks at the Leadership Circle.
This third item on the list suggests a mini theme today of our responsibility as leaders to do the internal work – good theme! For some this work is more daunting than the annual budget forecast and the restructuring project combined. For all of us it is critical if we want to lead for the greater good, which I know you do.
4
Just got my copy of Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment by Cal Newport, and I couldn’t wait to read the whole book before I included it in a list. Thus far, I am recommending it based on two things:
- The book flap where he writes, “our current definition of ‘productivity’ is broke” (hmmm…Carolyn Rogers from the Bank of Canada may find that interesting).
- That I’m on page 6 and don’t want to put it down.
5
I’m not suggesting that you add fool or jester to your org chart (although …) but “Why We Need Fools: Jesters, Power, and Cults of Personality” by Brian Klass, who writes at the Garden of Forking Paths, brought some good questions to mind that might ring a few bells with you. Questions such as:
- Have I, accidentally or otherwise, surrounded myself with sycophants?
- How do I respond (or perhaps react) to differing ideas or disagreement?
- Do I label people as “problems” rather than seeing and supporting their possibilities?
- How might I cultivate a personal practice or an organizational culture of “happy unhappy answers”?
- What are my boundaries and am I clear with myself and others with my boundaries?
- Am I discerning with feedback? Afterall, not all feedback from the jester is valid or helpful.
6
If you didn’t run across Gurdeep Pandher’s dance videos during the height of the pandemic restrictions where he made it worthwhile to check social media, then phew, I’m glad I caught you now. This article from his Substack is a lovely reminder that having a physical hobby, something that brings you into the joy of moving or using your body, is good for cultivating balance into your life.
I also believe that moving, doing whatever, however it is available to you and your body will strengthen your leadership practice. Don’t just believe me, try it, and see what happens.
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash