Vulnerability
Embrace vulnerability.
I’ve had the opportunity to talk with people at high levels of leadership, and to have conversations that have been quite intimate – those who are truly strong are not afraid to share vulnerability.
I have witnessed people whom I hold as mentors face significant challenges. To concede their sense of instability has only strengthened them in my eyes – has demonstrated courage in the face of fear, even loss.
I firmly believe that sharing vulnerability is the most powerful method to build connection and connectivity. Indeed I think our “work” is about building connections (understanding each other’s agenda, motivation, barriers)– once this is achieved, the “business” follows naturally.
Caring about something passionately is vulnerability.
Be perfectly imperfect.
Gratitude
If one were to put Life of Adversity on a scale of 1 to 10. I would rate my life (so far) at around 0.5.
I had a happy and stable childhood; my parents even now live 1km from me and continue to provide all flavours of support; my family members are healthy; I’ve had every opportunity – and no barrier – to build a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.
I spent energy in my 20’s feeling unfairly advantaged by these circumstances and fearing the inevitable “bursting of the bubble”. And it dawned on me that this was a complete waste of such a blessed life.
So I converted guilt into gratitude. If everyday, I can be thankful for everything small and everything big, then I know I will not take things for granted.
I have the privilege of working in an environment (ED) where this is brought into stark relief every shift – where unexpected and undeserved events befall people of all ages, and from all walks of life.
Integrity
What does this mean? To me, I think it means holding oneself to account. Did I do the best with what I was given? In a position of responsibility, did I put in the work, did I consider all factors, did I seek counsel from those I trust, did I make the best decision?
I have had the opportunity to witness various types of leadership: I can distinguish leading with courage (and and a sense of service) from leading from a position of fear. My leadership journey is still in its warm-up phase, and will be a life’s work – I have garnered many mentors along the way.
We hold ourselves to account; we hold our team to account. We can also hold to account those who are leaders within the organisation. I encourage you to be bold and to continually ask your leaders: “Are you looking after my professional and personal well-being with integrity? Can I have trust and confidence in your leadership?”
