In a fast paced world where it’s easy to get caught up in greed and ego, remembering to lead with humility can be a refreshing change of pace.In modern society the consciousness monad has faded from sight.Methexis is a term we find in both Aristotle and Plato. The term effectively means ‘working together.Teammates pledge themselves to one another in an effort to become a unified group.
Steve Jobs is known for his legendary ability to create innovative, groundbreaking products. Jobs’ belief in the power of simplicity as a design precept reached its pinnacle with the iPod, iPhone and iPad. His main demand was “Simplify!”…If he wanted a song or a function, he should be able to get there in three clicks. Steve Jobs was a pioneer in what was once a rather esoteric “mind technology”– the use of Zen mindfulness meditation to reduce his stress, gain more clarity, and enhance his creativity.
Abdul Fattah Jandali (from Syria), was Steve’s biological father and his mother was Joanne. Steve was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, a lower-middle-class couple. Put up for adoption after birth, Steve was a spiritual seeker from an early age. As a 19-year-old college dropout, he traveled to India in search of the wisdom of the East, a kind of spiritual rite of passage.
Spiritual enlightenment
Zen Buddhism is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on the attainment of spiritual enlightenment through meditation. Originating in southern India, it was brought to China (according to Chinese accounts) by the monk Bodhidharma, known in Japan as Daruma.“Be humble, for you are made of earth. Be noble, for you are made of stars.” – Serbian Proverb.
Zen strongly believes in that our body and brain can achieve more when finally released from greed, by persevering arduous training. Zen also believes that the process cannot be cut short by studying texts. In order to fully understand something, you need to comprehend it physically. So Zen denies the text. This is the reason why prominent Zen monks in the Middle Ages used various forms of art, such as the Zen garden, calligraphy or flower arrangement to crystallize what they saw and felt during their journey for eternal truth.
The English word “mindfulness” first came into use as a translation of the Pali term sati, or awareness, an essential element of Buddhist practice. In contemporary usage, it refers most often to the ideal of “bare attention”—being fully present and aware of oneself in the here and now without dwelling on the past or looking ahead to the future. Consciousness is the knowing element of every experience.
Key quality
One of my favourite quotes is “Leadership without humility is power without love.” – John C. Maxwell.
Humility is a key quality for effective leaders. Humility in leadership allows them to see beyond their own ego, to tap into the collective wisdom of their team, and to make decisions that are in the best interest of the organisation as a whole.
Humility is not about being weak or submissive; it’s about having the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and being open to learning from others. A humble leader is also able to give credit where it’s due, and to acknowledge the contributions of their team members. There are many examples of humility in leadership, both in history and in modern times. One notable example is Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. Gandhi was a master of nonviolent resistance.
Because of the human mind’s tendency to obsess over the past and worry about the future, too much time alone can have real mental and physical health consequences. Without the self-discipline to put in the “hard yards” today, the dream of a better tomorrow will always be just that a dream. Regardless of age, experience, and genetics, willpower can be strengthened like a muscle.
Building and maintaining a team is a special and constantly evolving process. There’s a famous quote about teamwork by philosopher Aristotle that says, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. It suggests that the work produced by teams is better than if that same work was completed by individuals.People believe that if you work together, you can achieve synergy. Endelexeia means to “have an end in itself / to have completeness”. In other words, to become who you really are. Endelexeia is a concept that suggests that we need to know our team members’ behavioural style, i.e. weaknesses, strengths, dreams.Only then, we can find the best ways to engage them.
Constructive criticism
Today many employees believing effective internal communication isn’t taking place in the workplace, finding new ways to listen and be heard is constantly top-of-mind. Being honest, while remaining respectful, will work wonders with how your team responds to praise, constructive criticism, redirection and unforeseen challenges. Treating others with respect and empathy is a huge motivational example, and a fantastic way to live.
Your team deserves to be compensated for their hard work, outside of their standard salary. How can I expect my team to operate at their highest potential if I’m not doing the same? Mistakes, misjudgments and failure must be embraced as a learning experience. Putting yourself in the place of your employee allows for teachable moments and the development of trust. Steve Jobs was an advocate of mindfulness and teamwork, an example for all aspiring leaders.
Dishan Joseph