Arriving at this gateway to enlightenment strips us of all forms of toxic competition. We learn to cheer others on without any worry that they will somehow surpass us. We are inspired by their efforts. We feel a desire to be better for our own account, because we see that there is so much potential that is yet to be realized. We see so very clearly that we are all connected and that we are all one. [...]
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As I watched the tree fall, I thought about the people I know who have faced a similar fate. They may possess many strengths, but for some reason, their weaknesses always seem to bring them down. In the beginning, their coworkers and leaders enjoy the immediate contributions they make, but in the end, the pollution they spew on their social environment is so toxic that they are asked to leave. I find this especially sad because people are not trees. The “gumball” tree is what it is and cannot change its behavior, but people can. Some simply reject the idea of growing new behaviors. They believe that their strengths will always save them, so they refuse to deal with their fatal flaws. They are surprised when they are no longer wanted, but they shouldn’t be. [...] The work on the ground is just as important as the work at the top. Thriving organizations understand this and constantly look for ways to create opportunities for every individual to do what they do best every single day. Empowerment is not just a buzz word for them. Instead, they delegate both responsibility and power, which encourages and fosters independence of thought and action. They create cultures of accountability by constantly raising the bar on the way they value each individual. They encourage maximum communication. [...] But that is not how Champions do it. Not only did Shaun take his turn, but he chose to board even more aggressively than he did in his first round and introduced us to the future of his sport. He made massive meaning out of a meaningless second round. He chose to stretch himself to a new level, when all he had to do was slowly slide down the hill. For him, it was not enough to win, he wanted to show the world why he is a champion. [...] My success with knowing myself prompts me to think about others and how they might apply this in their own lives. There are several questions that frequently run through my mind. “Why not be authentic?” “What do we really risk when we open up?” “Do the benefits of being authentic outweigh the potential pitfalls?” “How can a person who has never behaved in this way before, begin to open their true self to the world?” and “Does authentic behavior work for everyone or are there some instances when leaders must wear a mask in order to protect themselves and their organizations?” |
  
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