Evolving Our Understanding of Leadership ...

In the vast tapestry of words that shape our understanding, there exists a realm, rarely explored by those who wander through life. Perhaps the more curious among us would find this stimulating. Today, I invite you to journey with me into the labyrinth of language, where we uncover the forgotten origins of a word that holds profound significance to all of us - "leader". It is a word that has been explored, talked about, written about and practiced by many, but whose true essence has been diluted in the mists of time.

My pursuit of wisdom led me to become a student of words, seeking the original meanings that lie veiled beneath layers of interpretations. In my quest, I stumbled upon the wondrous concept of the multi-meaningverse, introduced to me, by my friend and colleague James Gien Wong. Within this cosmic dance of language, a single word assumes diverse meanings, moulded by the unique experiences of each individual. Like prisms reflecting light, our personal filters, fuelled by our individual experiences infuse words with distinct narratives, often causing great misunderstandings in this polarised world we inhabit. Thus, I am nurturing a habit to deliberate meticulously over my choice of words, yearning to convey an experience that resonates authentically with others. And even then, I have to reside to live alongside the paradox that the multi-meaning verse highlights.

When I was asked to be a speaker at a global conference recently, on the subject of leadership, It was crucial for me to explore and grasp the true intention behind the Sanskrit word for "leader," rooted in an ancient origin that whispers a profound truth - "to go forth and to die." In contemplating this revelation, I have come to understand that true leaders are not mere architects of power and control. Instead, they are selfless souls who serve a purpose greater than themselves, willingly, taking up their RESPONSE - ABILITY, laying down their lives for the cause and the people it encompasses.

Consider the journey between our first breath at birth and our final exhalation into the embrace of the next chapter in our cosmic story. This initiation serves as our 'rite of passage' into the profound tapestry of human existence. Yet, lost in the illusion of disconnected beings, we have forgotten the essence of our purpose on this extraordinary odyssey. We have become segmented, and this fragmented perception reflects in our understanding of leadership.

In our modern era, leadership is often perceived as a position of authority, wielded to control the flow of resources and shape the world according to our desires. But what if we were to re-examine leadership through the lens of its original intention? What if we chose to lead as equals, standing shoulder to shoulder with those whom we serve? What if we created a space that nurtured their growth, allowing them to excel, experiment, and express themselves fully and meaningfully in our shared world? Imagine gathering and offering resources that empower them to contribute meaningful solutions for our collective well-being.

Such leadership would acknowledge the imperfections inherent in humanity, understanding that it is within these fertile soils of imperfection that individuals can grow in their consciousness and grasp their place within the interconnected web of existence. And what if we could create a space where people truly belonged, where their presence was seen and their contributions valued? Could this be the kind of leadership we aspire to embody?

I have been fortunate enough to encounter such leadership in my personal journey, and within its embrace, I have flourished. It did not add more weight to the burdens I already carried, nor did it perpetuate my traumas. Instead, it ignited the flames of my highest potential, providing fertile ground for me to grow. Like a seed sprouting from the nourishing soil, I have been able to build upon the sturdy shoulders of giants who came before me. Just as Albert Einstein never forgot the gifts he received, I, too, am eternally grateful for the blessings bestowed upon me.

In contemplating the depths of my own inner and outer life, I realize that it is constructed upon the labor of countless souls, both living and departed, human and non-human. And so, I am compelled to exert myself earnestly, to give and return as much as I have received. For it is through this reciprocity that we unlock the potential for transformative leadership, weaving together a tapestry of shared growth, empathy, and profound connection.

Let us embrace the evolution of leadership, breathing life into a new paradigm that harmonizes with the essence of our collective journey. Together, we can transcend the limitations that hold us back, weaving a world where each individual can unfold their wings and soar. May we cultivate leadership that inspires, nurtures, and celebrates the boundless potential of every soul.