Share Your Wisdom

I’d like to say that when I was younger I knew exactly what I was doing with my life and where I was going – but the truth is that in the early years I really just sort of ‘wandered about’ without any clear direction or defined goals. And I do believe that some of the paths I did have in mind back then would likely have led to a destination I wouldn’t be happy with today.

But how do you know what you don’t know?

A colleague had asked me the other day about my professional trajectory, which prompted me to reflect on the extent of other peoples’ influences on my life. This is a point I think I conveniently tend to forget – after all, doesn’t it feel better to take all of the credit for your positive choices and successes?

But in my reply to my colleague I reflected on two separate conversations I had in my early 20’s: one with a more experienced coworker, and one with my boss at the time. I won’t go into the details, but I will say that a couple of 20-minute discussions truly did change my life.

These two people apparently recognized my strengths and understood my struggles. Their suggestions for my professional development came unsolicited; and as I look back I know I probably would never have asked.

If I hadn’t taken advantage of their wisdom when it came to me, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today. It’s impossible to predict just where I would have ended up, but I do know that I am very happy with how it’s all played out so far…

So, to me, those two short conversations were powerful mentoring moments that shifted the course of the rest of my life. I’ve learned that mentorship can come in the form of a structured, formal program; or that it can show up as an impromptu 20-minute conversation while throwing the football around during a work break.

Who’s helped you out through their words of wisdom? How did that change your life? Were there moments in your life in which you wish someone had offered up their knowledge? When have you been a mentor, and how could this have potentially changed a life?

The point is to not hold back. Share your wisdom. You never know the impact you may have with your words. And the bonus is that the more we give, the more we get back – and the happier we are!

Leadership, Life, and the New Age

I was feeling a little out of balance this morning when I noticed my old meditation mat in the corner gather dust. And as I sat for a few minutes in silence I remembered why I don't meditate as often as I'd like. This prompted me to go online to search for a 'guided meditation' MP3: something to keep my thoughts and ears occupied to help me through the awkward sitting part.

I found a Chakra meditation - 16 minutes long, which I figured would do the trick. As it was downloading I was struck by the title of the file, New-Age something or other. I had a brief 'gut reaction' and reflected on why New Age has gotten somewhat of a bad rap. I think it's because the whole idea has been tainted by some practices that have not been validated in any way; either by our Western scientific standards or by long-held traditions of truth and understanding. And I thought it a shame that something like Kundalini (Chakra) meditation, with such a long history of practice - an Old-Age tradition, one might say, might be lumped in with some of the more questionable new-age ideas and practices.

My point is to not 'throw the baby out with the bathwater'. As successful, happy individuals, we need to be healthy and balanced.

I don't claim to know anything about Kundalini Yoga, or any other 'old-age' practices, but what I do know is that I live in an age where these rich traditions and practices are available to me at a touch of a button, and that I possess the technologies and tools to help me stay balanced and effective on all levels. I also know that I can stay mindful of trying to separate the wheat from the chaff in my efforts to do so...

Leadership and Life Blog

Welcome to the Leadership and Life Blog...

My intention in this endeavour is to share my musings - particularly when I am struck by some event in the day that leaves me feeling inspired to examine my own experience of being in the world.

My goal is to provide some 'food for thought'; hopefully stimulating your own exploration of how you show up in the world, and how you are shaping your own professional and personal evolution.

I welcome comments and discussion, as I believe that a sharing of ideas in a meaningful way can make a world of difference to both of us.

Thanks for being here!