If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem. It is true that you may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all of the time; but you can't fool all of the people all of the time – Abraham Lincoln
The really valuable thing in the pageant of human life seems to me not the State but the creative, sentient individual, the personality; it alone creates the noble and the sublime. . .
– Albert Einstein
You know, there's a lot of talk in this country about the federal deficit. But I think we should talk more about our empathy deficit -- the ability to put ourselves in someone else's shoes; to see the world through the eyes of those who are different from us -- the child who's hungry, the steelworker who's been laid-off, the family who lost the entire life they built together when the storm came to town. When you think like this -- when you choose to broaden your ambit of concern and empathize with the plight of others, whether they are close friends or distant strangers -- it becomes harder not to act; harder not to help – Barack Obama
I trust your voting experience was a positive one. Listening to the analysis and interviews on TV with 30% of the votes counted, it sounds as if the major parties are all happy with the results. If it is an indication of political leaders feeling hopeful, energised and positive about the contributions they want to make in the next five years or so, then it is certainly good news. I am sure that in spite of the many things that might frustrate, irritate and disappoint you about our adolescent democracy – and the various high profile role players - you also appreciate the fact that so many South Africans voted in peace and embrace the principles of democracy. With a collective stronger opposition that represents all races and thus weakens the race argument, it will hopefully lead to less complacency and more competitiveness amongst government’s office bearers.
This month I am not sending you an article. I, however, have a request. With my monthly letters I aim to provide positive, informative and hopefully inspirational ideas that people like yourself can relate to or find relevant to your own experiences and life questions. An underlying theme is leadership - in the sense that every individual lead his/her own life. We can choose to lead it more or less pro-actively, consciously and effectively with the choices we make. The better we fare in developing our own potential, the better we are also equipped to lead others.
My request is that you will send me the names and email addresses of 3 or more people who might also have an interest in my writings.
It is a request and PLEASE do not feel obliged whatsoever to do so.
Thank you and vasbyt. I hope the month of May treat you well.
Best regards
Gerhard
Remember my offer of inspirational talks on the following topics:
· Inspire yourself, inspire others
· Resilience and tenacity
· Accountability and responsibility
· The illusion of security
· The power of character
· Excellence and success
· Busyness and prioritising
· Mental and spiritual fitness
_________________________________________________
Gerhard van Rensburg (Phd, MCom leadership)
Leadership and Executive coach (Member of Comensa)
Cell: 0834556513/Fax: 0865016020
Email: gerhard@neweraleadership.co.za
Website: www.neweraleadership.co.za
New Era Leadership -
Unlocking potential through leadership
and organisational development
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