I was inspired and convicted when I read Voltaire’s words:
Paradise is where I am.
Questions to Ponder
How close is that to true for me right now?
How often is that true for me?
Action Steps
1. Take five minutes and define paradise for yourself Get beyond a palm tree, some warm sand and a cool drink, and really think what that looks like for you.
2. Once you have a definition, identify three things you can do daily to move you closer to your definition of paradise each day.
My Thoughts
On one hand these five words may seem a bit silly, especially if you operate from a high level, almost superficial definition of paradise. But think more deeply. Who wouldn’t want this to be a true statement, and if that would be a goal, then those same five words become a call to intentionality. If you know what your paradise is, why wouldn’t you move closer to it so that you could look in the mirror with a clear conscience and a straight face and say . . .
Paradise is where I am.
This may seem unreachable, and for that to be true every moment, it may be. But I don’t think that is what Voltaire was talking about. And while this is clearly something for us to think about ourselves, relating to our levels of self awareness, gratitude and intentional living, as leaders, it is more than that too.
As leaders we have a responsibility for the environment in which those we lead operate. We can choose to make the working environment one that promotes people, their confidence and their success. We can find glimpses of what paradise looks like for others and help them find it in their work. When we do these things we are creating lower turnover, higher productivity, and greater results, but we are doing something more profound too. We are helping people live better and more fulfilling lives.
Leadership Questions to Ponder
What would workplace paradise look like?
How would my people and my organization benefit if we moved closer to that picture?
What can I do, starting today, to create it?
This was an AWESOME blog posting. I particularly appreciated the last paragraph and the Leadership Questions to Ponder. This gives me yet another vantage point to consider as our organization is about to undergo a process to define its values and associated behaviors. I certainly think this post offers a great insight into that process. Thank you, Kevin! I want to incorporate those thoughts into an upcoming supervisory training program.
Hi Kevin,
Have you read Jon Gordon’s book “The Seed”? GREAT!
Bill
Bill – it is on the top of my reading list!
Kevin 🙂
What a wonderful quote. Makes me feel convicted, too. Much time is spent lamenting what’s wrong with where we are instead of seizing on (and leveraging) the bright spots. Thanks for the reminder!
This post amazingly fits into my current thoughts. My organization is going through major changes and managers are required to apply for positions in the new organization. I have examined my option and wondered if I was in my idea place; my paradise.
Having encouraged the staff to make the best of the reform and use it as a stepping stone for greater things in the department I was wondering where i stood; on a personal level. This post has given me food for thought and additional ways of encouraging staff at all level.
Barbara – I’m glad the post was helpful to you.
Kevin 🙂
Hey Kevin,
We spoke together years ago (many years ago…) in Kanaskis for Alberta Envirofuels. I just wanted to let you know this really resonated with Margo and I (who was with me when we met) as we continue to build on the lives we’ve built together so far. It’s been an amazing journey; and the part I love is it can just keep on getting better; if we create it…
Side-note: Margo’s first book launches tomorrow, so she’s kind of excited. http://www.allthatglittersbook.com
Thanks again Kevin; keep up the great work.
Warren – of course I remember both of you! I have been following your work ever since that time. congrats to Margo…. I’ll send you an email away from here.
Kevin 🙂