A poem by Thich Nhat Hanh and how it relates to leadership

?? Recently, I had the privilege of reading the poem "Please Call Me by My True Names" by Thich Nhat Hanh as recommended by Sean Fargo .

It's a profound reflection on interconnectedness, compassion, and the complexities of human existence. As someone deeply passionate about leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB), and organisational psychology, I couldn't help but see strong parallels between the poem's themes and effective leadership principles. ??

In the poem, Thich Nhat Hanh invites us to recognise the intricate web of connections that bind us all together and to cultivate empathy and understanding. These ideas resonate deeply with my commitment to promoting inclusive leadership and fostering environments where every voice is heard and valued. ??

As leaders, we must acknowledge the impact of our actions, embracing the complexity of our teams, and leading with authenticity and mindfulness. By doing so, we can create workplaces where positive change and growth thrive. ??

I invite you to read the poem and reflect on how its messages might inform your own leadership journey, I've added my thoughts after the poem.

Let's continue to learn and grow together as we strive for a more compassionate and inclusive world. ???

Please Call Me by My True Names

by Thich Nhat Hanh

Don’t say that I will depart tomorrow—

even today I am still arriving.

Look deeply: every second I am arriving

to be a bud on a Spring branch,

to be a tiny bird, with still-fragile wings,

learning to sing in my new nest,

to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,

to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.

I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry,

to fear and to hope.

The rhythm of my heart is the birth and death

of all that is alive.

I am a mayfly metamorphosing

on the surface of the river.

And I am the bird

that swoops down to swallow the mayfly.

I am a frog swimming happily

in the clear water of a pond.

And I am the grass-snake

that silently feeds itself on the frog.

I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,

my legs as thin as bamboo sticks.

And I am the arms merchant,

selling deadly weapons to Uganda.

I am the twelve-year-old girl,

refugee on a small boat,

who throws herself into the ocean

after being raped by a sea pirate.

And I am also the pirate,

my heart not yet capable

of seeing and loving.

I am a member of the politburo,

with plenty of power in my hands.

And I am the man who has to pay

his "debt of blood" to my people

dying slowly in a forced-labor camp.

My joy is like Spring, so warm

it makes flowers bloom all over the Earth.

My pain is like a river of tears,

so vast it fills the four oceans.

Please call me by my true names,

so I can hear all my cries and laughter at once,

so I can see that my joy and pain are one.

Please call me by my true names,

so I can wake up

and the door of my heart

could be left open,

the door of compassion.

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Compassionate Leadership:

The poem emphasises the importance of recognising the interconnectedness of all beings and the shared human experience. In leadership, acknowledging and embracing the diversity and unique experiences of your team members is essential for creating an inclusive and compassionate work environment.

Understanding the Impact of Actions:

The poem highlights how our actions can have far-reaching consequences, both positive and negative. Leaders should be mindful of their decisions and behaviours, as they can affect their team members, stakeholders, and the broader community.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:

Thich Nhat Hanh's poem encourages empathy by urging us to see ourselves in the experiences of others. Effective leaders possess high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy, which enable them to connect with their team members, understand their perspectives, and address their needs and concerns.

Embracing Complexity:

The poem recognises the complexity of human nature, with individuals capable of both great kindness and harm. Leaders should also acknowledge the complexity of their teams and organisations, embracing diversity of thought and background, while striving to foster a culture of respect and understanding.

Authentic Leadership:

Authentic leaders are genuine and true to themselves. The poem's call to be called by one's true names aligns with the concept of authentic leadership, where leaders are encouraged to lead with integrity, transparency, and authenticity.

Mindfulness and Reflection:

The practice of mindfulness, a theme in the poem, can be valuable for leaders. Mindful leaders are more self-aware, able to manage stress, and make better decisions. They also have a deeper understanding of themselves and their impact on others.

Inclusive Leadership:

In the poem, the notion of interconnectedness is evident. Inclusive leaders recognise that diversity and inclusion are not just initiatives but fundamental aspects of effective leadership. They actively seek diverse perspectives and ensure that everyone's voice is heard.

Positive Impact:

The poem's message about the power of one's actions to bring either joy or pain underscores the idea that leaders have the potential to make a positive impact on their teams, organisations, and society as a whole.

#Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #MindfulLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #OrganizationalPsychology #LeadershipReflection #ThichNhatHanh