Inspiring Your Authentic Week

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 12:21 AM PDT

I don't know if you have noticed, but we are somewhat in the middle of a crisis. Governments are playing fast and loose with tax payers money, corruption is endemic, some groups seem to be intent on provoking others, conflict flash points are plentiful, kids are stressed, ice caps are melting and most of us have our heads firmly stuck in TVland, hoping it will all go away.

Bullying, self pity, over reacting, insecurity, cliques and gangs, selfishness, self medication, extremism, unwillingness to listen or learn, mentally and emotionally closed and irresponsibility are all standard traits of teenagers.

These traits appeared to be shared, by too many of our leaders in business, politics, religion and other areas. My experience is that I meet many people of great maturity in other areas of life, so how do so many "teenagers" end up leading significant organisations?

Maturity is a matter of the choices we make, not just the time we have been here. Maturity involves:
• The inner confidence to to empower others and enjoy their success rather than bully or demean.
• The dignity and strength to learn from setbacks and take responsibility for contribution to them.
• The calmness and perspective to see the big picture and respond (rather than react).
• Self knowledge and acceptance in terms of purpose, vision, values, strengths and weaknesses.
• The flexibility, generosity and depth to be inclusive.
• The restraint and self discipline to not need drugs or alcohol.
• The balance and objectivity to embrace and involve all sides.
• The openness and eagerness to learn from everyone and every experience.
• The responsibility to act for the greater good.

We have the opportunity to transcend our current situation, to create a fulfilling, sustainable and peaceful society. We have extraordinary wealth, we have incredible technology and amazing knowledge, we have all of the tools we need. We just need to "grow the f**k up" and start making use of them.

It is not human nature to be crass and destructive, it is immaturity. It is so easy for people to get emotionally trapped in teenage years, society does so little to help people grow up and so much to hold them back.

Growing up is a process of letting go of our insecure, trivial and carefree youth and embracing the responsibilities of adulthood, as individuals, business people, leaders of all sorts, parents and whatever else we might be. Growing up involves the death of our childishness and our rebirth, mature and adult.

Start with yourself. Are you truly mature? If you can truly say "I am like that" to all of the bullet points above then you will already be embracing your responsibility to help others mature. If you feel you still have the opportunity to mature a good teacher/coach can make the journey easier and more rapid.

Through Authenticis and our Authentic Business Radio Show we would love to help businesses, projects and individuals to succeed through their authenticity. If you would like to share your business, project or story on the show please let me know.

I am planning an Open Authentic Leadership event in Mallorca in October, with 15 - 20 places available. You can find out a lot more about the course here. If you are interested please let me know so I can gauge numbers for the hotel.

Join us on our Authentic Business Radio show every Thursday at 5pm UK, 6pm Euro or 12.00 EST. This week we will be discussing "Grow the f**k up"

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With love

nx

Neil Crofts
Neil Crofts
authentic business

+34 646391384
neil@neilcrofts.com
www.neilcrofts.com
Skype - neilcrofts