As leaders we have tremendous abilities and we can choose how and when to use them.
“Of course!” I hear you cry. After all, we have spent many years learning our craft added the often unimaginable amount of money our abilities have cost. But there is often something so simple, which, when you think about it is the foundation of every thriving organisation.
Stop and think for a moment about the irritations in your day. If you are like many of the other business leaders I know, your day probably includes a dollop of do-do that lands in your in-box demanding your time, energy and emotions!
It is an irritation. It has knocked you off course. It has jangled your emotions.
In an instant you can see the consequences of not sorting the problem. Your emotions move and you are driven by an external factor, from being fairly level and productive – maybe even happy – to resentful, irritated to possibly hating an element of the situation.
Then what…
Very often the bad situation gets worse and worse, until we can have a fresh perspective and bring to it different emotions.
But what if we choose to…
Love Everything
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about mushy, hearts and roses gazing into your loved-ones eyes. I’m meaning choosing not to be irritated, but instead for a moment catch your breath bring to your day a higher emotion you control.
The emotion of love is the core essence and foundation of who we are as human beings. It is our rudder in life. The more love we receive (and give) the happier we are and the better we feel about life. And, fundamentally as business leaders the greater success we create for our teams.
Can you imagine what work would be like if we were able to love everything? What if we give ourselves permission to approach every problem with compassion, with love? How many hours of arguing would be saved? How many millions of pounds would be saved? There would be total joy, kindness and compassion in every thought and interaction. We would be connected and attuned to the organisation’s true purpose. We would all be facing in the same direction striving towards the same goal.
When it comes down to it, life and business can actually be very simple. So, next time your emotions jangle, consider the panacea… breathe and choose to create the emotion of love.
If you would like to know more about how to choose and create an emotion you can always contact me and I’ll share how.