Already broken
I read recently of a Laotian monk, Achaan Chaa, who lay down some pretty cool stuff about leadership.
“You see this goblet?” Chaa asked, holding up a glass. “For me, this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; drink out of it. It holds water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on a shelf and the wind knocks it over and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand this glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious.” – Excerpt from Sacred Hoops, by Phil Jackson, 1995.
This passage from Jackson’s book is particularly pertinent to me as a coach and as a business leader heading into a new year. Where have I taken something for granted? Where have I taken someone for granted? What’s that cost me as a friend, coach, teammate or leader?
I went to a holiday party a few days ago that a new friend hosted. He’s been having this party for years from what I learned in conversation with folks. “Yeah, you should have been here last year… there were like, 200 people in this house.” Wondered if the fire marshall knew about last year.
Aside from the fact that upon my departure there were likely 75 people in attendance, what struck me was how much folks appreciated that Steve (that’s what we’ll call him) invested as much time and effort into the party as he did. “Can you believe he did all this” was the most common question I heard all night.
My answer = yes, I can believe it.
You see, Steve gets the impermanence of this world. He sees that at any given moment, his life or the life of his friends could change for better or worse. He understands that “NOW” is far more intriguing and satisfying than “later”.
Coaching Challenge / Practice:
As a leader, take a moment to consider the following questions / actions:
- Where am I putting things off until “later”?
- What’s so intriguing about “later”?
- What’s possible if I were to take action NOW?
- Name three people, employees, fellow leaders or friends you can acknowledge today.
- If you were to practice always taking action NOW, what’s possible for you and your business in 2009?
A new year is upon you. There are plenty of parties to attend, sales to make, projects to complete, people to acknowledge and teams to lead.
Which will you choose, now or later?
Just do it,
-Coach Preston
