Yesterday, I wrote about Four Ways Location Influences Results, and last week I wrote about the Five Practical Reasons Values Matter to Leaders. Consider this a mashup – I’m putting those two sets of ideas together in this post with a personal example.
This picture was taken earlier this spring on the farm I grew up on. I could have shown you a picture of the house or any other number of locations. I picked this spot, behind two of the barns and in front of another, because it represents a place that has influenced my life and my values in profound ways.
It is “here” I learned the importance of family.
It is “here” I learned the value of hard work.
It is “here” I learned the importance of, and how to serve, a Customer.
It is “here” I learned to marvel at the growth of plants, animals, and people.
It is “here” I learned about what it means to have and be a neighbor.
It is “here”.
When I am in this spot (or on the farm in general), I am connected to memories, life lessons and am rejuvenated mentally and spiritually. And it is all about the place.
Of course these memories can be remembered and the lessons accessed in other locations, but when I am in this spot I am infused with feelings and connected to my best self in a way that is hard for me to replicate elsewhere.
From my brief example now it is time for you to apply my lesson. Ask yourself these leadership questions today, as your leadership development activity of the day.
Where are your places that give you access to powerful positive feelings?
How often do you make your way to these places?
How do you (or could you) consciously use these locations to boost your energy, insight, productivity and success?
Depending on your response (tweets, and comments are always appreciated), I may make this a series of posts, giving you more concrete examples (personal and otherwise) of how place and values can intersect to create amazing results.
Great post Kevin.
My place of inspiration is water. Anytime I am near water, and have time to relax but it, I am in my own little piece of heaven.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much of it in Calgary where I am (other than rivers, which still work for me :).
That said, it gives me motivation and drive to find opportunities to travel to water… which usually also means more time away from work… more time to relax… and, ultimately, more productivity.
Great post – need to go find myself some water now. Thanks! Troy
Kevin,
The barns may look different but I think almost any farm kid that has moved away from the farm ( or not ) could have wrote that same story. The farm is the place were we learned how to live and be the person we are now.
I hope that is true Bryan. It obviously is for me. Thanks for the comment!
I live about a mile from a nature preserve and often walk there, mostly in the mornings. At one point the path leads me up a hill. At the top I can see woods on one side and a meadow on the other side. Often I see deer. This place is special to me and having to climb the hill reminds me of other journeys I make where hard work is required to be able to see the vistas. In fact, I am just now finishing my PhD and this path in the nature preserve reminds me a lot of my academic journey. I go to this hill when I need clarity on an issue. I breathe. I listen. I try to empty my thoughts. Then as I return home I feel that by having no thoughts for a while, I am able to be filled with new ideas.
LuAnne – Your words are special. I can see you (or me) walking up that hill. Having a place(s) that we can empty our minds is of great value. Thanks for sharing yours with everyone.
Kevin 🙂
We are what we are today, because what we valued more and did yesterday. As you mentioned we all are physical too and place are important for security and shelter, as well.
What I am curious and would like to know and learn is the following:-
What you value from hard work?
What you value in serving a customer?
What you value concerning growth of plants, animals and people?
What you value for your neighbors?
Your words are inspiring and convincing extremely well in the physical dimensions but wonder why you have not touched the mental, emotional and social aspects so as to empower people with leadership?
I personally acknowledge your perseverance and your inspirations for me and people from all works of life.
Thanks and Regards
Haleem
Haleem – Thanks for your comments. My intention for this post not to dive in deeper (I’m already working on a book right now!) 🙂 Your questions are valid, and I will adress them in future posts, thanks to your prompting.