Every act we perform has consequences. Some are meaningless and pass us by like most cars on a highway. They come and go. Other times consequences are so significant that they bring life changing events. If present in this moment we are aware of what is taking place. We see, hear and possibly understand its implications. In this case we may actually alter the consequences of what is taking or about to take place. Which reminds me of the ancient story: “G-d is speaking loud and clear that a tsunami is coming and to take higher ground. One person is not present and does not hear the message; another person is present and hears the message, understands and takes higher ground; same event, but with different consequences.” For how many thousands of years have humans been told to be present? How else do we hear the message, understand its implications and to alter consequences?
Consider (once again) the “Kitchen Table.” What are the consequences of talk at the table? Our children witness, hear and learn from their parents, but do they understand? Not likely, so consequences happen based on ignorance not understanding and do those consequences happening at the “Kitchen Table” repeat throughout our life? Maybe?
I’ve spent years teaching leadership to leaders and have witnessed the consequences bad leaders are responsible for giving birth to. It’s apparent simply through observation that when leaders treat their followers as “things” those “things” respond as “things.” Anyone related to in this manner knows what they experience and even if insignificant in the hierarchy they pay back in kind with negative consequence. How does a bad leader know they are the root cause of what is sickness in their relationships? They do not, but fault others.Want the best possible consequences with those you live and work with? Be authentic, treat people with respect, as equals and when the opportunity presents itself, empower and nurture them. When problems do arise, and they will, see problems as “logs on a fire” that people gather around for warmth, stimulating dialogue, creativity and the likelihood of rewarding consequences.
