If I ask you what you’ve initiated lately, what would come to mind, and how quickly?
We speak of Alaka‘i in a wealth of context, for there is so much included within both managing and leading. There is much too much, and we need to focus.
For the coming week, I want you to try something: Think of only one thing, and have it be INITIATIVE.
Alaka‘i at its value-best is about initiative: We seize it for ourselves, and we are attracted to it in others.
We know inherently that initiative is about being first in something, and because we’re first we’re naturally pioneering — we’re exploring options and testing them, never resting on our laurels, for that would be duplication at worst, and improvement at best. However initiative is about complete freshness, newness, experimentation and bravery. It is about BEING FIRST.
Having a learner’s mind will equip you magnificently, so do not hesitate. Shed off any protective husk you may be keeping around you. Be first this week. Take initiative. Be Alaka‘i.
Update: Here is another take on this, just added to my Flickr pages:
“I want to be fire.”
“But you can’t. You’re a lily, and we live in the water.”
“Are those facts, or are they happenstance? I can change.”
“I don’t think so” you can’t change that much. There are some things you just have to accept.”
“Well, I don’t. You might accept them, but I don’t. I’m still going to try to be fire.”
“Gotta admit, there is something happening here in your trying” how does it feel?”
“Scary, but also thrilling, and the thrilling is winning.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Footnote: Mondays are devoted to Managing with Aloha here on Talking Story.
There is more backstory to MWA Mondays here if you are interested, including an index of relevant resource pages: Monday is for Managing with Aloha. My Book Page is here.
On Previous Mondays, Pō‘akahi kākou: