What Men's Initiation Programs Taught Me About Executive Leadership, Relationships, Wellbeing, and Life Lessons

Throughout history, the Four Guiding Principles on "how to be a high-value man" was an essential journey of a boy's upbringing within our tribes and societies.?

Sadly, this crucial stage, often known as "rights of passage" or "Men's initiation" or "Men's work", has been lost over time. The repercussions of this loss are evident in businesses, governments, and marriages, and our sons and daughters bear the consequences.

Leaders make decisions without considering the implications. Aggression becomes out of control and leads to violence, addictions or sexual abuse. Fathers are either absent, emotionally unavailable or emotionally awkward, which impacts the mental health of the next generation - is the price we are currently paying for the loss of MENS WORK!

Throughout ancient civilisations, a systematic process existed for moulding boys into high-value men capable of providing, protecting, and contributing to the family, tribe or society. Various cultures had unique rituals, such as the First Nations' Walkabouts, Indian ashrams teaching Dharma, Spartan warrior training for boys, and the Native American Indian rites of passage.

These transformative "rights of passage" spanned durations ranging from one year to several. The boys absorbed lessons on channelling aggression, gaining voluntary control over it, connecting with their land and ancestors, and mastering the art of hunting for their desires.

Crucially, these initiations instilled a profound understanding of identity, purpose, and mission. With this wisdom, men could make clear decisions, navigate changes and challenges, maintain unwavering focus, and continually fortify their emotional resilience.

Embarking on my journey into men's work in my early 30s as an IT executive, I realised I could be a better leader, partner, friend, and, overall, a better human. Discovering the four attributes of manhood revolutionised every facet of my life.

My approach to relationships underwent a transformative evolution. I became more grounded and in control of myself; I could channel my aggression into creation and have it in voluntary control, gaining a deeper understanding of the profound impact of these ancient teachings on my personal and professional growth.

When working with leaders (males and females), I also realised that these Four Guiding Principles of manhood are also must-have attributes for successful leadership.?

So, what are these Four Attributes of Leadership??

Maturity:?This is the ability to change and adapt to the challenges. This attribute requires considerable emotional maturity to move past our "what it should be" and "what is required". Maturity is not something that comes naturally to anyone; it must be taught, and it must be learned.?

Commitment:?Missions, goals and dreams fail when one is half in and half out. Fear often causes a lack of commitment - What if I fail? What if I'm rejected or disliked? Men and leaders must work through these fears.?

Consistency:?As men or Leaders, our responsibility is to provide safety and build trust. Consistency in our emotional maturity, commitment and character makes trust and safety.?

Emotional Resilience:?Resilience is our ability to bounce back from failure, rejection, adversity and challenges, all guaranteed experiences in leadership, relationships and fatherhood.?

Rediscovering and applying these ancient principles is not just about personal growth; it's a blueprint for effective leadership, healthier relationships, and a foundation for a thriving future generation. Let's bring back the wisdom of Men's Work to chart a course for a more balanced and resilient society.