By Tony Vengrove
As we approach the end of 2015 and look forward to a new year with a refreshed sense of optimism and hope, I’d like to invite you to re-read our favorite Miles Finch Innovation post of 2015. The post was guest written by Raphael Hernandez who recalled a poignant story from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Raphael reflected on an encounter with Anwar, a 10-year-old boy he met while shopping in a crowded market on Kabul’s Chicken Street.
Raphael used the story to glean lessons about employee engagement and salesmanship. While the piece holds its own in this regard, it’s actually much more powerful when we consider the disconcerting events taking place across the globe. When we look at the story through the lens of increasing global conflict, we’re reminded of a simple remedy: the uplifting power of human connection.
There’s been so many tragic events during the past year with an equal amount of troubling trends that lay before us. Sadly, I fear things may get worse before they get better. The increasingly divisive nature of our national and global discourse is especially disconcerting. It seems many of us are separating into factions and digging into our philosophical trenches for the long haul.
Raphael’s piece reminds us that we can overcome stereotypes and labels with a simple hello. We can build community and friendships by asking questions and listening. We can create lasting friendships when we refrain from judgment. We can make the world better if we care enough to serve others before we cater to our own selfish needs. We can start by making eye contact and smiling.
Please read Raphael’s post, What a 10-Year-Old Boy From Kabul Can Teach Us About Employee Engagement, and take a few moments to reflect on what you will do in 2016 to connect, build community and make a positive difference–wherever you are. If so inclined, please share your ideas and thoughts below.
My personal reflection on Raphael’s story and the power of human connection brought me back to our Seven C’s of Creative Leadership–“Connecting” is one of the seven principles. As I considered all Seven C’s in context of this post, I realized they also serve as a great framework for driving change in the world.
So, here they are, re-written as a 2016 Call-to-Action for Change!
1. Let’s commit to healthy COMMUNICATION. Let’s listen and understand before we speak and judge.
2. Let’s be CURIOUS about other people’s perspectives and traditions. Let’s understand the “Why” before we jump to conclusions and label things good or bad.
3. Let’s be CREATIVE about finding solutions to problems. The “how things are done around here” mentally is slowing dying off. We’re empowered to utilize our miraculous creative powers to discover better ways to get things done.
4. Let’s extend our hands and hearts to lift others up. It’s harder to hate someone when you’ve CONNECTED with them on a human level.
5. Let’s embrace the diversity of all world CULTURES. It not only makes the world more interesting, it inspires creative connections that can unleash innovation.
6. Let’s commit to CHANGE. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and commentate on the state of affairs. It’s up to us to make a difference.
7. Let’s have the COURAGE to walk to the talk or, as Raphael and his fellow Marines would say, “Let’s make it happen.”
And with that, it’s time to sing Auld Lang Syne and flip the calendar. Happy New Year!
Miles Finch Innovation helps companies navigate the messy territory of corporate innovation. We’re strategic thinking partners who can help you get unstuck and identify creative solutions to your toughest challenges. We also love to train and speak on the subject of Creative Leadership. Email us or call us at 860-799-7505 to learn how we can help you you unlock the creative potential of your employees.