#Wisdom in Leadership

[athenavalor]

Stoicism: The Ancient Philosophy That's Guiding Today's Changemakers

Have you ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of life’s difficulties, seeking a beacon of stability? Well, you’re not alone. Some of the most influential figures of our time (and times past) have turned to an ancient philosophy known as Stoicism to navigate the tumultuous seas of existence. Yes, Stoicism – the time-tested wisdom that teaches us the value of self-control, resilience, and…

[blogalahezy]

[thepersonalquotes]

If you have allowed a laborious lifestyle to suppress your dreams, then NOW is the time to take a STAND and give yourself PERMISSION to DREAM again! Now remove the clutter in your life and make PLANS to make your dreams a reality.

DeWayne Owens

[krumpkin]

A great quote and I've seen a few people that could learn something from this 🙄.

[bread-wizards]

That fireside chat has me thinking about Dorian's views on leadership and how it was influenced by his home and parents.

[obsidianquill]

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

[tmarshconnors]

50 African proverbs.

"A bird that flies off the earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground."

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

"The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks."

"When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers."

"The wise create bridges, the foolish build barriers."

"He who learns, teaches."

"Unity is strength, division is weakness."

"Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped."

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."

"A tree is known by its fruits."

"The one who loves an unsightly person is the one who makes him beautiful."

"The strength of a crocodile is in the water."

"The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth."

"A wise person will always find a way."

"Where you will sit when you are old shows where you stood in youth."

"Do not be a spectator before life; participate!"

"The rain beats the leopard’s skin, but it does not wash out the spots."

"No matter how full the river, it still wants to grow."

"Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it."

"When the mouse laughs at the cat, there is a hole nearby."

"The goat says, 'Where there is blood, there is plenty of food.'"

"By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed."

"He who is destined for power does not have to fight for it."

"The chameleon changes color to match the earth; the earth doesn’t change colors to match the chameleon."

"The heart of the wise man lies quiet like limpid water."

"If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents."

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."

"A wise person learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends."

"You cannot climb to the mountain top without crushing some weeds with your feet."

"A roaring lion kills no game."

"Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand."

"Where there is love, there is no darkness."

"The strength of a nation lies in its homes."

"The best way to eat an elephant in your path is to cut him up into little pieces."

"He who refuses to obey cannot command."

"It is the calm and silent water that drowns a man."

"Patience is the mother of a beautiful child."

"A good deed is something one returns."

"When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends."

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

"When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion."

"No matter how tall a tree grows, the leaves always fall to the ground."

"When the moon is not full, the stars shine more brightly."

"A leopard cannot change its spots."

"A village without elders is like a well without water."

"The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them."

"The eye never forgets what the heart has seen."

"A dog with a bone in its mouth cannot bite."

"The axe forgets, but the tree remembers."

[commonsensecommentary]

“Age does bring with it a certain wisdom that youth blithely rejects, and those who today are certain they have all the solutions will perhaps someday realize, much to their chagrin, that they were, in fact, part of the problems facing America as we navigate our current generation of fear mongers, snake oil salesmen, and purveyors of a utopia that is only a tax increase away.”

(From my blog archive)

[enchantingepics]

Note #16

Gratitude and kindness hold immense power. They're like the sunshine that warms our souls and the gentle breeze that soothes our hearts. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the goodness in our lives, no matter how small. It's about recognizing the little moments of joy and the people who bring light into our days. Kindness, on the other hand, is the language of love spoken through actions. It's the simple gestures that make someone's day brighter, like a smile or a helping hand. Together, gratitude and kindness create a ripple effect of positivity. When we're grateful, we radiate positivity, uplifting not only ourselves but also those around us. And when we're kind, we inspire others to pay it forward, creating a chain reaction of goodness in the world. Think about the last time someone showed you kindness or expressed gratitude towards you. How did it make you feel? It probably warmed your heart and brought a smile to your face. That's the magic of these simple yet powerful acts. In a world where negativity sometimes seems to overshadow the good, embracing gratitude and kindness can be like shining a light in the darkness. It reminds us that there's still goodness in the world, and that each of us has the power to make a positive impact, no matter how small. So let's embrace the power of gratitude and kindness, not just today, but every day. Let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty around us and spread kindness wherever we go. Because in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and uncertain, these simple acts have the power to bring hope, joy, and connection.

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[kiritpankhania]

All pain, emotional, physical, financial, mental, can be a powerful action signal. 🔥

When you drive and a light goes off on your dashboard you are not supposed to freak out. It’s NOT a warning light it’s an action signal. To do or to stop doing something. Fill up the gas, get your tyres checked. In the same way with physical pain the body is actually endeavouring to communicate something. ✅

Be aware of your nervous system. With your finances too. There are systems and clues. #PayAttention. DM me if you want to understand and have way better outcomes.

#successleavesclues. And yes WE are all learning all the time. Stay Blessed ❤️

#kiritpankhania #SuperCoach #livealegacy #theinvironmentalist #leadershipexpert #TheREVblueprint #coaching #inspiration #peakperformance #businesstransformation #entrepreneur #tkcleadership #loveandkindness #transformationalleadership #publicspeaking #bethedifference #getstuffdone #successcoach #galacticsuperstar #mindflownotmindset #mindblasting #keynotespeaker #mentor #businessguru #leadership #motivation #oneworldourworld #love

[theluckygirlblog]

The Quiet Power of Vulnerability: Why Being Soft is the New Strong

We live in a world that rewards toughness. We’re taught to armor up, smile through the pain, hustle harder, and keep our emotions in check. For women especially, there’s a subtle pressure to be “strong” in a way that often means suppressing softness, hiding our hearts, and never showing the cracks. But here’s the truth: real strength isn’t found in the absence of vulnerability—it’s found in the…

[thepersonalwords]

The point is, education in its truest form, is the foundation of all human endeavors. It is the most noble of all the civilized elements of human consciousness. Education enables the humans to achieve their fullest mental and physical potential in both personal and social life. The ability of being educated is what distinguishes humans from animals. You can teach a cockatoo to repeat a bunch of vocabularies, but you cannot teach it to construct a space shuttle and go to the moon.

Abhijit Naskar, The Education Decree

[niggadiffusion]

The Crowned King

He sits still—center of the storm,

a throne not of gold, but of pages turned,

of lessons burned into marrow,

of stories inked in midnight and marrow-deep hues.

Royal blue drapes his shoulders, heavy as history,

deep red pools beneath him—

not spilled, but poured, ancestral offerings

of wisdom and war, of love and loss.

The crown ain't just metal,

it's the weight of knowing—

of walking through fire and coming out forged,

of bending but never breaking,

of holding the world in calloused hands

and still finding grace in the grip.

Each book stacked beneath him a stone in his temple,

each word a brick laid by those who came before—

the griots, the rebels, the poets, the kings

who never needed a throne to prove their rule.

Gold glints in the flicker of candlelight,

his gaze distant but present—

seeing forward, seeing back,

seeing himself in the echoes.

They call him a king, but he just calls it survival.

They call it a crown, but he knows it’s a torch.

And so he sits—black ink on bound pages,

writing his own name into legend.

[thoughts-of-ghanashyam]

𝕽𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖕: Lessons from ancient wisdom

In an era marked by a growing skills shortage across all sectors and a widening gap between what employers offer and what employees expect, it is crucial to rethink the fundamental principles of collaboration. Emphasis must be placed on factors such as empathy, communication, mindfulness, and meaningfulness.

Both employers and employees need to find a balanced compromise to ensure sustainable, respectful collaboration and secure the long-term success of their organizations—both economically and interpersonally. However, managers must lead the way as role models for their employees, particularly in conveying respect, motivation, and the achievement of common goals.

But what makes a good leader?

Current analyses, marketing, and employer branding trends and too many so called coaches offer many “ultimate solutions” for a leadership rethink. Yet, ancient wisdom may provide deeper insights through active self-reflection and reorientation. Despite massive changes in our material world, fundamental human needs like protection, health, genuine happiness, and contentment have remained relatively the same. This growing gap between employers and employees contributes to psychosocial problems in our society, with the rapid economic and technological advancements outpacing our mental capacity to keep up, leading to mental distortions, especially among younger generations.

Ancient wisdom in modern leadership

A profound example of a good leader is Lord Hanuman from the revered Indian epic Ramayana, composed by Vālmīki between the 4th century BC and the 2nd century AD. At the center of the Ramayana is Lord Rāma, an incarnation of Vishnu, who descends to earth to save the world from the demon lord Ravana. The epic narrates the life of Rāma and his beloved wife Sita, their abduction to Lanka (the later Sri Lanka) by Ravana, and their eventual rescue with the invaluable help of Hanuman, the monkey god.

Hanuman, an incarnation of Shiva, is one of India's most cherished deities. His devotion and friendship with Rāma and Sita epitomize "Dasya Bhava," the devoted love of a servant for his Lord. Hanuman’s legendary physical strength and iron will, complemented by several key qualities, make him a timeless role model for today's leaders:

Emotional Intelligence Hanuman’s emotional intelligence is one of his most crucial attributes. Known for his ability to perceive and respond to the emotions of those around him, he forges deep connections with powerful deities. His compassion and understanding enable him to bridge divides and promote cooperation even in the toughest situations. Emotional intelligence is invaluable for leaders, helping them build trust, inspire loyalty, and encourage collaboration.

Simplicity and Humility Hanuman’s devotion to those around him, his empathy, and his heart hold more value than wealth or fame. Free of false ego or vanity, he only showcases his abilities when necessary. Goal-oriented action, coupled with empathy and compassion, serves as a great motivator for others.

Composure and Decisiveness Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman remains calm in complex situations, enabling him to make the right decisions based on a balanced mind. Clear decisions and solution-oriented behavior strengthen the common course of an undertaking, ensuring balance, security, and optimism for all involved.

Effective Communication Hanuman’s effective and open communication is another vital quality. As a diplomat, strategist, and messenger for Rāma, he persuades Bhibhishan (Ravana's brother) to support Rāma, a decisive factor in Rāma's victory. Hanuman’s communication skills extend beyond speech; they encompass listening, observing, and empathizing, fostering trust, conveying ideas, and motivating others to action.

Honesty and Integrity Hanuman's honesty and deep commitment are central to his character. As a servant of Rāma, he lives by dharma, embodying ethical and moral principles by following his heart. Good leaders also need honesty and integrity to build trust and establish and maintain ethical standards.

Strategic Thinking Renowned for his strategic thinking, Hanuman meticulously assesses Lanka’s army's strengths and weaknesses, gathering crucial information for the impending war. Strategic thinking is essential for leaders to achieve long-term success and seize opportunities.

Collaboration and Teamwork at Eye Level Hanuman exemplifies teamwork at eye level. As a key member of King Sugriva's Vanarsena, the Monkey Army, he works collaboratively, showcasing his teamwork skills in the monumental task of constructing the Ramsetu sea bridge from India to Lanka. Leaders must foster collaboration and teamwork at all levels to drive innovation, achieve goals, and build strong, respectful relationships.

These qualities, exemplified by Hanuman, are timeless themes that we often forget in our daily "monkey business." The Ramayana and the poem "Hanuman Chalisa" are rich in wisdom and guidance, offering insights that can help us become better leaders, team players, professionals, and friends.

So let us be inspired by these enduring values and endeavour to embody Hanuman's qualities in our daily lives - for ourselves and for all those around us.

Thank you for your attention! Jay Shri Hanuman.

[quotelr]

Every day you should wake up with the excitement in knowing that God’s plans for you are far greater than your dreams for yourself. The best is yet to come!

DeWayne Owens