Time for Reflection

As I am preparing for the training of our student leaders, as I am thinking about leadership,
and what I would like to impart to our students, I come back to the book, Tao of Leadership by John Heider.  I find these two very helpful.

12.  Time for Reflection

Endless drama in a group clouds consciousness.  Too
  much noise overwhelms the senses.  Continual input

  obscures genuine insight.

Do not substitute sensationalism for learning.                                  

Allow regular time for silent reflection.  Turn inward and digest

  what has happened.  Let the senses rest and grow still.

Teach people to let go of their superficial mental chatter and

  obsessions.  Teach people to pay attention to the whole body’s

  reaction to a situation.

When group members have time to reflect, they can see more

  clearly what is essential in themselves and others.

13.  Success

If you measure success in terms of praise and criticism, your anxiety will be endless.

Having a good reputation or becoming well-known for your work can be a hindrance to your further development.

Fame is as burdensome as caring for yourself properly.

What is the problem with praise and criticism?

If the group applauds one thing you do, and then you feel good, you will worry if they do not applaud as loudly the next time.  If they are critical, if they argue or complain, you will feel hurt.

 Either way, you are anxious and dependent.

How is fame like caring for yourself?

In order to do good work, you must take good care of yourself.     

You must value yourself and allow others to value you also. 

But if you make too much of yourself, you will become egocentric.

  Egocentricity injures both self and work.

If you can live with the fruits of success and care for yourself

 properly, you will be able to foster success in other people.