To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Ronald Regan, former American President, once said: “I’ve often wondered, what if all of us in the world discovered that we were threatened by a greater power from outer space from another planet – wouldn’t we all of a sudden find that we didn’t have any differences between us at all?” An interesting thing about our human nature is our propensity to focus on differences. Whether it is someone in our professional or personal life, our mindset always seems to highlight those things that differentiate us from that person. Of this Thomas Robbins, America novelist, wrote: “Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other.” Yet in the same phrase, he write: “Our similarities bring us to common ground.”
The greatest of leaders cherish the richness of both the similarities and differences. They draw from each of them accordingly in the pursuit of their personal and professional excellence. Similarities, at one time, may serve to strengthen their purpose. Differences, at another, offer possibilities for change that, when implemented, serve also as a common ground. It is this open-minded acceptance of the known and unknown that brings joy and excitement to their journey. As a noted statesman one said: "A world without walls is the only sustainable world.... If the world is dominated by people who believe that their races, their religions, their ethnic differences are the most important factors, then a huge number of people will perish in this century."
This week embrace the differences of those you meet. Explore their ideas and insights: see and the world through their eyes. Remember that even in these differences, the other person, like you, will see the same sun rising in the morning, enjoy the same freshness and joy of the day and see the sunset at each day’s end. We have so much in common – let these small things be a source for understanding each other in even greater ways.
Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!
Mike