Leadership in the Moment

 

Everything that we ever learn when it comes to the time we spend at work on our job contributes to our experience ‘in the moment’ . All decisions that we make are made ‘at a moment’ . We may spend hours deliberating and then comes the ‘moment’ of decision. It all comes down to what happens within that ‘moment’ and subsequent moments.

Leadership is ‘moment by moment’  - strategizing,executing, planning, taking feedback,trusting,nurturing and much more. Its the quality of ATTENTION that we bring to those moments that determines the kind of leader that we will be and be remembered for .

Lets ALLOW our MOMENTS to count/make a difference. Let’s bring in SPACE (the pause)

I love the slogan that my ex-chairman made as a corporate slogan

“Every Satyamite is a Leader” ….I would like to believe  “every HUMAN BEING is a leader” in some way or another.

Mumbai Monsoon in 2010

Arrived in Mumbai to the Monsoon Rains....and its chaotically beautiful :)

A very old car (Ambassador) masquerading as a 'Cool Cab'. The owner just fitted aircon in it :) The taxi driver gave me a quick lesson in administering the country (improve education,cut crime,promote good ) through changes in the 'Reservation based on Class' System. I agree too much reservation can promote desperation (those that do well but don't get opportunity due to the system). Its an Indian thing but what amazed me was his clarity of thought....Amazing.

My mum watching 'Indian Soap Opera's . So I get the lowdown on drama. Excellent 'sexy' outfits. Open Backs....and not bony. Hahaha.

Evening trip to refill my mobile resulted in a meeting with a school teacher...who was happy with just two minutes of talk on the road....yes we stop on the road and have conversations. Everyone talks to you...the person at the refill shop asks about my mom...she has even visited my mom at home. WOW!!!

On the way back I stop for my 'FAVOURITES' (Renee this is for you) - Roasted Corn on a rainy day,Samosas ....sheer delight.

Oh and finally.....a Neighbour got stuck outside their house and I was summoned to 'KICK OPEN THE DOOR' which was having a problem with the lock. That was hillarious...I was like....seriously....at one point my mum showed up and was like 'Let me try' . Everyone thought she was going to kick.....She quickly pointed out she was only there to try to turn the key.....hahaha. Relief!!!! Luckily the door opened after a few kicks...Love it.

Teaching things that matter.

 

What is the next generation going to be like? I DON’T KNOW

How do we get our kids prepared for that? I ONLY HAVE  A FEW IDEAS.

I SEE YOU.

Going back to forming strong relationships and time spent around people than around objects. This is going to require a big-shift for teachers to move from ‘What did u do?’ to ‘Who were you with?’ and the ‘simplicity of being’. De-emphasizing the whole ‘ what was so exciting last week’ . Comparison is another thing that needs to go – after all ‘all five fingers are not the same’. Let’s nurture the uniqueness.

A WORLD THAT IS IN NEED OF CARE.

A world that is visibly getting into a condition that will soon become un-livable. And we are pushing it there. Can consciousness about how we spend our time and the effect it has on then environment be spread. Eg – the more time we spend with nature and people in a natural environment the less time we spend at ‘energy consuming malls etc’ taking lessons from our European friends where shopping malls close at 8pm. Let not the Mind lead you into excuses about how ours is a different generation :)

WE ARE ALL CREATORS

Yes we are….in our own little ways. The starting point being a state of ‘I don’t know and I’m/We’re gonna find out’ . Can teachers lead from the front in this and inspire their students to follow suite. This will lead to a collaborative learning environment where the interests of the group are encouraged. Brainstorming for topics could be the starting point.

BALANCE

Encouraging the development of awareness of the fullness of our being – body,mind and heart. A Balanced approach to life and being and the relationship it has to society i.e Healthy Human Beings with a Healthy Lifestyle. Nurturing the heart and mind will also lead to an outreaching to all of humanity in our own ways. Good will arise. The possibilities combined with creativity are immense.

NOW

The importance of the present moment in which all of the above mentioned things occur. Acceptance of WHAT IS and out of that ACCEPTANCE – taking appropriate and necessary action. Empowering our kids to appreciate what they have and where they are and laying the foundation for a life that is BALANCED, CREATIVE,CARING and LOVING.

This is the responsibility we each have,AFTER ALL WE ARE ALL TEACHERS. Be Creative – See how this applies to what u teach.

Everything Leads to NOW

 

In recent times, I have noticed that there is a tendency in life that in some way or another….everything leads to NOW.

Whether they be peak moments or ‘down’ moments all happen in the NOW. Although there may be a build up to them, everything happens NOW and then it is over. We have a tendency to want to HOLD ON to those moments which can then become disruptive of the smooth FLOW OF LIFE.

If we observe our own lives we can SEE this. Watch your own life for moments when you were at your best and you will notice the NOW factor. Your whole ATTENTION was in what you were doing. Wasn’t it? Wasn’t the QUALITY of what you did EXTRA-ORDINARY? I mean by your own standards…don’t wait to measure it against others.  

Me thinks I will tune in to NOW and pay ATTENTION.