Beyond the accolades reflected on a biography stands an individual born of the womb.
They are given a name as someone’s child, someone’s friend, sister or brother. Before the titles and the honour they remain a human being. This is despite our idolisation of them and their achievements.
But don’t get me wrong, ambition and the fruit thereof is all good and well. However, the obsession thereof is foolish.
Alas, contrary to popular belief, this is true for leaders too.
Let’s think of our role models. How marvelous is their strength, their ability to remain excellent, tenacious, it almost seems mechanical isn’t it? These super beings can’t be ordinary, we cannot fathom that they may need help sometimes or maybe a minute of rest too?
I reflect on this notion particularly after having had the opportunity to be present in a space where true conversations were held. A space where we as leaders reflect on the not so glorious aspects of leadership, the sacrifice, the pain and the teaching moments.The obstacles we go through to obtain these biography worthy accolades. The parts of us that those we lead often won’t see.
Moreover, I reflect on the concept of ‘leader pseudo humanism ‘ with the observation of the unrealistic expectation placed upon leaders to disconnect their humanity in order to perform as a mechanical being . Where in doing so there is a compromise of one’s holistic well-being with minimum recognition of this unrealistic pressure.
More importantly, I reflect on this notion to remind ourselves to continously check ourselves that we may see the true essence of people and treat them with gentleness. To recognise that the individual is more than just a title, that all beings deserve respect and compassion even if they don’t have the privilege of an endowed biography.