Go placidly: Guidance for life and leadership in ‘Desiderata’
Oh, my, what a stressful time this is. I know, we always think the present moment is especially difficult. But there is so much noise, uncertainty and grief right now, it’s sometimes hard to catch our breath. And if you are in a leadership role, you have the responsibility to provide confidence, assurance and stability to your people. How on earth does one do that at a time like this?
There are many advantages to having a long memory. I suddenly recalled a prose poem that was popular in the 1960’s, Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann. Here it is, slightly edited by me:
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
My wish for us all is that we move forward with hope, kindness and determination.
If you’d like to talk about approaches to leadership or how to improve and hone your leadership skills, please reach out at ggolden@gailgoldenconsulting.com.
