But the process of illusion and disillusionment is part of life and goes on endlessly. In the early [19]40s what struck me forcefully was the conflict between my expectations and actual experience. At College I had come to believe that as a graduate I would automatically be at the head, leading my people in all their efforts. In a sense that was true of the majority of the Fort Hare students. Many of them left the lecture room straight to some cosy job, with a steady income and carrying a measure of influence. It is also true that graduates do enjoy the respect of the community especially in the field of education. But my experience was quite different. Continue reading
Leadership
We need more producers across all industries….
What a Producer Does
He has an idea and pursues it; or he learns of someone else’s idea and seeks the means to realize upon it … indeed, to be sure that it is improved upon. A good producer, as an inspirer of creativity, must, himself, be creative. He is a creative administrator … a judge of creativity. He guides and helps hundreds of people toward an objective that becomes increasingly clear-cut as the work proceeds from an idea, through its script and budget preparation, then to shooting (very tense and money hazardous), then to post-production (cost manageable and leisurely if you don’t have a pressing air date or release deadline). It’s like herding bees with a switch. Continue reading
you are the world, not in abstraction, not as an idea, but in actuality….
“A confused mind, a mind that is ideologically inclined or has deep convictions, cannot possibly alter or bring about a change in the social structure because the actor himself is confused.
My personal checklist for making things happen
– Know who you are and what matters to you.
– Get clear on what you want to happen.
– Picture success in your mind’s eye.
– Be passionate!
– Ask: is it important and worthwhile?
– Work out allies and get a coalition together.
– Don’t forget your loved ones and a good night out!
– Give the media a good story.
– Ask for help from experienced and important people.
– Be very persistent when people say maybe.
– Expect to go off course on a regular basis before you get there!
Change Activist: Make Big Things Happen Fast
Carmel McConnell
How Great Leaders Inspire Action
Maturity
“When I say maturity, I mean an inner integrity. And this inner integrity comes only when you stop making others responsible, when you stop saying that the other is creating your suffering, when you start realizing that you are the creator of your suffering. This is the first step towards maturity: I am responsible. Whatsoever is happening, it is my doing. Continue reading
But what about Listening?
“Communication is the most important skill in life. You spend years learning how to read and write, and years learning how to speak. But what about listening? What training have you had that enables you to listen so you really, deeply understand another human being? Probably none, right? Continue reading
Communication really happens only between Hearts
The doors of the heart open only to love. And remember it is only when one hears with the heart and not with the head that listening happens. Continue reading
Conversation with Jack Ma, Executive Chairman, Alibaba Group
Choosing a New Year Gift – Importance of Genuine Intent
Everything in nature gives with a grace that comes of selfless giving. Even the tree lets falls its fruit into our lap. Mother Earth bears serenely our insults yet she cradles us nourishes us with every grain of Riceland wheat that we eat. We have free air to breathe and water to drink.
Loving speech is also a kind of generosity. Kind words could gift sunshine to a dark life . Generosity of spirit brings two hearts together in joy. True communication through loving speech and deep listening is a loving gift. How often do we hold back such gifts , even from our close friends and family? Continue reading
ONE TUSK 