Go first

It has been a challenging week to say the least. The pandemic and resulting lockdown measures continue. Violence, destruction, and injustice is on every news site or bulletin. The Proteas lost to Ireland, of all teams. It is safe to say that our country and nation is at a low point in our collective history. How does one remain optimistic and hopeful through these challenging times, where the tide seems to be so heavily against us?

This is a very tough question to answer without coming across as naïve or unrealistic. But consider the following quote:

“I really, really think the secret to being loved is to love. And the secret to being interesting is being interested. And the secret to having a friend is being a friend.” Anonymous

The automatic response to challenging situations is often a pointed finger. Expecting the other party to change or be different. Sitting back and waiting for the world to become what we wish it to be. But, spoiler alert, it doesn’t work that way. People don’t like following instruction. But they do pay attention to the example you set. If your neighbors are unfriendly, smile first. If your neighborhood is dirty, pick up a piece of trash. If the world is angry and unyielding, meet it with love and patience. If everyone is anxious and hopeless, put down your phone, breathe and reconsider your position. Decide on the tone you want to set. Go first.

At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.