Best of the Month (November 2023)
"Wisdom is Knowledge in Motion" Brief, Insightful and Pragmatic!
Jiddu Krishnamurti
“To free the mind from all conditioning, you must see the totality of it without thought.” Welcome to a very special edition of the renamed “Students of Leadership,” and what better way to do it than to dedicate it to the great teacher and eternal student, a
Pearl of Wisdom
Jiddu Krishnamurti, an independent and profound voice left us with invaluable leadership lessons anchored in his core belief “truth is a pathless land.” To free our minds from any conditioning we must observe the totality without thought. Krishnamurti's life story is a testament to his independent thinking. He did not accept the role of "World Teacher," and disbanded the organization that predicted his role, as he always emphasized the importance of individual discovery outside the confines of organized religion. Krishnamurti challenged assumptions and encouraged personal inquiry and critical thinking, urging us to question our own understanding of things. Krishnamurti emphasized self-awareness as the foundation for understanding the world. His view on education went beyond academic knowledge, focusing on the holistic development of the human being warning against the destructive power of authority, advocating for independent thought and compassion. His deep dialogues with scientists and scholars bridged the gap between science and spirituality, exploring the nature of reality, thought, and consciousness. Krishnamurti's teachings remind us to be self-aware, to question everything, to empathize with others, to foster holistic development, and to be wary of the dangers of authority. These timeless lessons invite us to embark on a journey of personal transformation for the betterment of society.
The "McGurk effect"
Welcome to another edition of “Students of Leadership.” Today let’s play tricks with the mind. I am sure that many of you have seen in social media short videos where this concept is applied in various ways. They typically make you listen to a sentence giving you the option of chosing between two words to read on the screen. When you do it, you realize …
Pearl of Wisdom
The McGurk effect powerfully demonstrates that perception is not always reality. This effect creates an illusion where our minds combine what we see and hear into a single distorted output, and that carries a very important leadership lesson: that the data and information we receive can often be incomplete or misinterpreted even if we are convinced of the contrary. So rather than fill gaps with assumptions, one must always challenge own perceptions and actively solicit diverse viewpoints. No single perspective would ever provide a full picture besides we see here the need to eliminate perceptual biases. Effective two-way communication is paramount. The McGurk effect underscores the complexity of human cognition, we do not always see as things are but rather through the lens of our own experiences, our inner voices. Wise leaders acknowledge this fallibility, fostering environments where the emphasis is placed on critical thinking and continuous learning.
The Art of the Possible
Welcome to another edition of “Students of Leadership” today we reflect on the words of Otto von Bismarck “politics is the art of the possible, the attainable, the art of the next best." In the world of leadership (like in many aspects of life), aspirations often clash with real-world constraints.
Pearl of Wisdom
The essence of leadership lies in the ability to navigate the realm of possibilities with pragmatism and effectiveness. Otto von Bismarck's words, "politics is the art of the possible, the attainable, the art of the next best," encapsulate this core essence of leadership if we accept that premise. Aspirations clash with real-world constraints, and leaders must embody the "Art of the Possible" by setting and delivering achievable goals. This principle emphasizes practical solutions over unattainable ideals. It requires intelligence, common sense, and the ability to work within the system, the ability to influence. True politics at work is leadership, is about making things happen; while toxic behaviors and gossip have no place in effective leadership, that is not what politics should be about. Healthy office politics helps build strong relationships, access opportunities, and harness influence for professional growth. By developing smart politicians and preventing toxic behaviors, leaders can create high-performance environments that leave a lasting impact on their organizations and the world at large.
“Lead yourself, Learn to live. Lead others, Learn to Build.”
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I reall like the new format!