For the one who holds power
When I was little I used to write poems and act out my own plays. I loved reading books and writing stories. When I moved schools a few times in my early teen years, I lost my love for the written and spoken word as I lost track with the changing curriculums. For a couple of decades then on I was more interested in party than poetry!
But in recent years, as I've looked for depth, inspiration and answers to life's bigger questions, I've found poetry again to be a way of putting words to a feeling or tending to something deeper when the answers aren't clear.
Many conversations I've had with managers this week have been wanting support in how to mange their teams and keep things going.
My sense is that what's being experienced now in big businesses is going to shift what's needed in terms of how we lead, build trust, and work together, as we emerge out of the other side of this.
We don't yet know what will change, but what I'm confident of is that if you hold a position of power in an organisation (and you may feel like you don't have power, but if you're accountable for the work and welfare of others, you do), something different is being required of you right now.
This is when the mantle of 'leadership' really comes into play.
In a time that feels so unprecedented, in the absence of absolute guidance and concrete answers, I want to share a poem from John O'Donohue (published in 2008), that so graciously invokes the wish of all of us that hold power.
The beauty of poetry is that how l interpret and apply these words of guidance in the context of my work and my life, will be different to how you it lands for you and the context of your work and your life. I hope each of us receives what's comforting and useful.
FOR ONE WHO HOLDS POWER
May the gift of leadership awaken in you as a vocation,
Keep you mindful of the providence that calls you to serve.
As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings,
May your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills.
When the way is flat and dull in times of gray endurance,
May your imagination continue to evoke horizons.
When thirst burns in times of drought,
May you be blessed to find the wells.
May you have the wisdom to read time clearly
And know when the seed of change will flourish.
In your heart may there be a sanctuary
For the stillness where clarity is born.
May your work be infused with passion and creativity
And have the wisdom to balance compassion and challenge.
May your soul find the graciousness
To rise above the fester of small mediocrities.
May your power never become a shell
Wherein your heart would silently atrophy.
May you welcome your own vulnerability
As the ground where healing and truth join.
May integrity of soul be your first ideal.
The source that will guide and bless your work.
- John O'Donohue
PS. I feel very aware of the current info-demic online, it's amazing and overwhelming. Please do email me if there's a topic you would find useful and supportive right now, or just want to reach out and say hi! I hope you're keeping well and finding some space and calm.