From Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow
From little acorns, mighty oaks grow. This highly visual phrase can spur us on to make an effort at those difficult early stages of any project. Everything has a beginning. No matter how small or insignificant it might seem, we have to start somewhere.
This well known phrase came to mind this week, as I was preparing to attend the memorial service of good friend and business colleague, Professor Wangari Maathai. The Nobel Peace Laureate from Kenya has been a support and encouragement to me since we met and started working together in 2004. Her attitude to life, her clear-cut approach and her enthusiasm even when times were bleak have inspired many people worldwide. I was fortunate to talk with her extensively, as we travelled in Japan, Norway, France, Kenya and The Congo.
With Great Responsibility Comes Great Reward
Life comes with many responsibilities. As we grow up we learn more each day about the importance of showing respect to others, taking responsibility for our actions and caring for our environment and everything within it. As soon as we put these ideals into action, the payoff we receive in return can be a great reward.
For many, the first experience of responsibility comes with taking care of a pet. These cats, dogs and other animals that we invite into our homes rely on us for their food, health and care. We share our lives with them and they reciprocate with unquestioning companionship and love. That seems like a good deal to me.
I Know A Man Who Can…
Anything is possible in the Balkans. If there is something you want, someone can get it for you. If you need something doing, someone can sort that too. In even the smallest circle of friends, people can often bicker over who would be better suited to get the task done. If one person cannot help you, they usually know someone who can, and they will happily make recommendations. Like ripples in a pond, the circles of influence spread wide around you.
Networking is such a buzzword, as if the concept of spreading your net widely and helping each other was discovered by business gurus and social media types. But it is not a new idea. It is a core concept in all relationship-based cultures where family and friends still hold great importance. Cultures such as those that still thrive throughout the Balkans.
Listen First, Speak Later
Many people are poor listeners. Quite often we meet people who like the sound of their own voice and can seem compelled to share that pleasure with others. They update us on everything they do, no matter how unimpressive and irrelevant to our own lives and interests. To be honest, most people do not have much to say that could not be improved by considering its relevance to others before open their mouth.
Everyone has experienced the boring drunk at a party: they are always the one who will not stop talking when, in fact, they have very little to say. They go on and on, as if everyone within earshot deserves their pearls of wisdom. In fact, they are just tiresome. After the humour has worn thin, they move quickly from fun to dull and then become really quite annoying, and all because they refuse to shut up. The same can be said for many brands.
