On the Eve of the Birthday of my Sister who I never met, this is a personal (and professional) letter to her… and a sacred promise if you Will… a promise from this 900 pound Gorilla Spirit of a Guy to his older Sis.
“Sis” was born on March 16, 1956. She passed into the Next Realm, the very next Day. I arrived almost 4 years later, and somehow made it. I have long believed that Sis went straight on to the Next Realm, pure and wondrous … and I got the Gift of living this Life (its trails, trials and triumphs) for both of us; two hearts in one. So, as her 70th Birthday arrives, I write this as a bit of a letter and promise to her. Oh, and for transparency, I gave her my own loving name… E’la’aran… meaning “Of the Spirit” in a childhood language I created. So…
Dearest E’la’aran:
As you indubitably know… I have spent the last 44+ years in leadership education and coaching across the private, public and community sectors. I have soulfully found myself choosing to help community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders to:
- Deliver extraordinary customer value and experiences.
- Create Character-driven Cultures and Mindsets of Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence.
- Build inclusive, joyful workplaces committed to Excellence…and,
- Define a clear direction for a more sustainable, effective and prosperous future.
Even as I write, you know that I am continuing to reflect and tweak on this over these weeks (still a work in true progress) and I am arriving at this with the help of a wise and trusted mentor and coach… and through a journey around finding Compelling Clarity.
Indeed you soulfully know, of late, I have been exploring 12 Questions for finding Compelling Clarity. In The Birthday Dinner, I shared on the first 3. In Showing Up … I addressed Questions 4 and 5. In The Power of Hopefulness, I answered on Questions 6 and 7. In this edition of my Blog I affectionately and simply call “Barry’s Blog”… my E’la’aran… I offer my most recent and evolving thoughts on my exploration of Compelling Clarity…. that have brought me to my current Understanding noted above. Sis, this has been and continues to be a meanderingly curious but purposeful exploration of what is soulfully calling to me, and I keep you in mind and heart as I explore and decide. For you, me and anyone else reading this Blog, the following is a bit of a mapping on how I arrived at this juncture.
First, Questions 1 through 3…
Here are my most up-to-date reflections on the first 3 Questions considered thus far.
Regarding Question 1… What are the Signs of a “new world” for me? In other words, what is my new reality I am needing to face at this time and space? What is telling me things have changed?
I have been robustly curious for 66 years now, lol. And, that continues. In Signs towards Solidity I noted that “population trends in the world… are interesting with a seeming slowing in growth, and that “aging” thing if you will (which by the way I do not see as a bad thing lol)… but also with a shift in the youth population globally. In addition, I am considering the words of Prime Minister Mark Carney in sharing his considered and thoughtful perspective on the world recently at Davos. Indeed, I am considering other sources for information on changes in the world such as the World Economic Forum and the Global Goals…. Community Accounts NL.. and what was once known as The Conference Board of Canada. And the UN… and more. This does not demand of us copious amounts of time and effort, but finding sources of reliable information that can fuel our Understanding of the externals that matter to us. Taking some time to do such is a wise investment, as is finding reliable sources of information. For me as The Unity Guy with a global mindset, the above sources and others matter. They are worth my time, personally and professionally.“
and… I offered …
” … I was born into a world of 3.5 billion people with 3 “superpowers” in NATO, the USSR and China. I find myself in a world increasingly polarized, and sifting through and towards a new sense of order. The forces of both Disintegration and Integration are underway towards some kind of new order in the world. We have always had changes in world order. Those who get suspicious of the term “new world order” might need to step back and understand that the history of Humanity has been replete with changes in world order. One is now afoot, I believe. But, we get to help define it. It is not simply a top down process. Again, I digress a bit lol. This first Question in asking “What are the Signs of a “new world” for me?” is really about first seeing if the game is changing enough for me to figure out how I better engage a new world forward. Indeed, it is. In any given situation, we need to assess same. For me, I see a world changing in 5 arenas… geopolitically, economically, demographically, technologically and socio-culturally. I see my own Life too as changed, following cancer surgery, and a new working reality. So, yes, the signs are a pointing to me needing to ask the next 11 Questions… to come.”
Regarding Question 2… Is Ego or Soul my best litmus test in choosing my Clarity… i.e.. what is my ultimate Motivation? In other words, what is my best sense of inner Motivation here, regardless of any extrinsic “rewards”? Will I listen within or to the world, or both… in discerning and deciding… on my pungent Clarity?
I have now decided that while my Mind (and Body) will be the Co-Navigators engaging the World, my Soul will be the Captain…. in any great decision forward. In other words, I have decided that, in making any important decision, my Mind and Body will listen and will seek out and even evaluate relevant information and my Soul will make decisions on same, then delegating making it happen to the Mind and Body again. In so doing, I will Aim High, soulfully discerning and deciding. And Sis, I will listen, and act accordingly.
Regarding Question 3… What might be my Just Cause and my Mission and Vision in serving that Just Cause? Given my new reality, what do I truly need to move the needle on long term? What and who matters most to me and how can I best serve such and same?
I had noted earlier in this process that “I offer up that my Just Cause is Humans Together Strong and that my sense of Mission and Vision is … as The Unity Guy, I help community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders to create united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures of Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence … that deliver extraordinary customer value and results. Epic Engage is a global shipyard to help build united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures delivering extraordinary value and results.”
I am tweaking same to…
- My Just Cause is Humans Together Strong and my sense of Mission and Vision is … as The Unity Guy, I commit to helping community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders to lead and create united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures of Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence … that deliver extraordinary customer value and results. Epic Engage is a global shipyard to help build those united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures delivering extraordinary value and results… serving an ever better world and future.
Then… to Questions 4 and 5.
- QUESTION 4: What stands in the way? What obstacles and challenges stand in the way? What do I see as my hindrances, distractions and potholes along the way?
- QUESTION 5: How might the obstacles become the Way? How might I turn them into propellants or motivators of some kind?
Sis, in the face of all of the challenges and changes I see, I also deeply and clearly see the need to champion Humanity. I see the need to champion Humans Together Strong. I see the need to champion those community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders in helping them to create those united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures of that Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence … that deliver extraordinary customer value and results. I see the need to serve as that global shipyard to help build the united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures delivering extraordinary value and results. You see… I am not resisting the forces of technology, economics, the socio-cultural, the geo-political or the demographic. Instead, my Resolve is found in choosing to harness them… to champion the need to ensure they are all Humanity driven and not the other way around. I choose to champion a Humanity driven world in all of those arenas of Endeavour. I choose to champion the forces of Character and Purpose towards high functioning Unity … Humans Together Strong. I am not looking to resist “the horses” of change but to best make sure that they lift us as the human riders… that we fully and justly make sure that we powerfully include Humanity in its future.
And… to Questions 6 and 7
- QUESTION 6. What “signs” do I need to take down? In other words, what “promises” or beliefs make no more sense and what new boundaries or beliefs do I need claim?
- QUESTION 7. What needs to be done… i.e. what are my Commitments? To what actions will I commit in order to face the challenges in serving my Just Cause, Mission and Vision?
Hopefulness has much to do with both answers here Sis. The signs to be taken down have to do with the arbitrary nature of that questionable other voice inside (Ego) that says ” be realistic”. The beliefs that no longer make sense have to do with being “practical”. The first Commitment is to Hopefulness. Now, this does not mean that I will choose to be unrealistic or impractical. It does mean that I will redefine what is realistic and what is practical. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” This will ground my taking down the ego-driven sign of “realistic and practical”. This will fuel my Commitment to Hopefulness… and to the greater voice inside.
And Now… Forward
Now, in late March and April, I am considering the final 5 Questions my dear Sister E’la’aran. They have to do with my HOW. And, I will continue to pray and meditate with you in mind and heart. Bahá’u’lláh said, “The source of crafts, sciences and arts is the power of reflection. Make ye every effort that out of this ideal mine there may gleam forth such pearls of wisdom and utterance as will promote the well-being and harmony of all the kindreds of the earth.” And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “It is an axiomatic fact that while you meditate you are speaking with your own spirit. In that state of mind you put certain questions to your spirit and the spirit answers: the light breaks forth and the reality is revealed.” Keeping same in mind and heart, I will consider on:
- What Strengths of Character are needed to practice?
- Who will help me? Who will be colleagues, community and mentors? Who will be in my Circle of Wisdom and Strength?
- What will tell me I am succeeding? What milestones will have meaning to tell me I am “getting there”? What measurements will motivate me forward?
- What will it mean in striving for same? How will it make me feel? How will it help others who matter to me at home, school, work, business, play, governance and community?
- What might be my first step in getting started?
For now, I take on Question 8.
What Strengths of Character are needed to practice?
Given that I have chosen my professional Just Cause, Mission and Vision to be…
- my Just Cause is Humans Together Strong and my sense of Mission and Vision is … as The Unity Guy, I commit to helping community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders to lead and create united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures of Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence … that deliver extraordinary customer value and results. Epic Engage is a global shipyard to help build those united, inclusive, joyful, and purpose-driven cultures delivering extraordinary value and results… serving an ever better world and future...
… Sis, you know that I am already decided on my lifelong core five Virtues of Love, Honour, Idealism, Unity and Zeal. Indeed, they seem to be in my spiritual DNA. Still, I am also soulfully, prayerfully considering the Virtues of Hopefulness, Happiness. Endeavour and Musicality. So make that a Power 9 lol. I know that you are smiling lol.
Right Now
Where I am right now is that, while I am a deep believer in all Virtues in practice where and when and how appropriate, these 9 soulfully sing to my work forward… Love and Honor brought to the work, Idealism inspiring it. Unity in its mission and purpose. Zeal in bringing the energy, if you will. Hopefulness in fueling the life long work, Happiness too in doing same, and a spirit of noble Endeavour. And… then, there is the Music in me, lol… the Musicality to Live my Song, dear Sister. You know how that song is an anthem for me.
E’la’aran… just today, I posted on LinkedIn, the following…
“This is both a personal and professional post. Then again… if you remember Jerry Maguire’s personal manifesto… you realize that, at core, who we are defines our work and Service when done right. I am a Baha’i. That does not mean you need to be. I consciously explored and decided that I was Baha’i in 1992… preceded by 7 years of being meanderingly curious about the Faith. Baha’is do not practice evangelizing nor preaching. People are attracted to the Faith on their own accord. I was. That said… it is not a Faith that is claimed in a moment but over a life time… in very personal practice… and Service.
But the centrality of the Faith … its Cause if you will … is the Unity of Humanity… Unity in its Diversity. As a Baha’i… I see myself as Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian and more … as Baha’is recognize all of the Messengers and Manifestations of God… as movers of Humanity throughout history… to the point now where we can actually conceive of the idea of truly Global Unity… in Diversity. I say this not to convince. I say this to lay claim to my deepest motivation for my work and Service.
I believe in the Human Spirit. I believe in Humans Together Strong. That belief foundationally and fortitudinally grounds my choice to work in helping organizations deliver on extraordinary value and Service … through robust, united Character and Purpose driven cultures. Unity in Diversity is indeed a strategic advantage. Moving forward together… stronger. It is not my schtick. It is my most soulful belief. Indeed… it has fueled a childhood imagination and helped me follow a career that ever increasingly understood that great Leadership unites… and moves us forward, together, ever stronger. My brand is The Unity Guy. I am The Unity Guy. So… ever moving forward… this space will champion Humanity over inhumanity. It will champion Unity over the forces of division. It will explore human celebrating ideas over human constraining ideologies… at home, school, work, business, play, governance and community. It will do it through music, meme and message… and more. Baha’u’llah said, “The Most Great Peace shall come.” I may not be in this World to see it fully manifested… but I will give my Life towards advancing it in those spaces at home, school, work, business, play, governance and community. Genuine, flourishing and sustainable prosperity demands it. For that… I will lift my eyes to the skies and joyfully serve to help build a better world. Peace ✌️ ☮️ 🕊”
I offer this again here because, as I go through these 12 Questions… I better understand the changes and challenges afoot and my choice of how I will decide moving forward through them. It provides a better rudder, anchor, ballast and sail. As well, I ever better grasp my sense of Just Cause, Mission and Vision in the face of same. I ever better see how the obstacles are indeed the way. I better know what beliefs I need to “take down”. I know that I have to triple down on the Virtue that is Hopefulness. I know that I can ever better do that with Love, Honour, Idealism, Unity Zeal… and with that Hopefulness… and Happiness, Endeavour and Musicality. This is resulting in me knowing my most noble Cause is that idea of The Most Great Peace, realizing that I will probably not be in this World to see it but that I will nobly live and die for helping building it through my work and Service. Sis, I know you know even better than me… The Most Great Peace is my noble Cause, supported by my Philosophy of Humans Together Strong, and manifested in my work and Service helping community minded start-ups, small businesses, not-for-profits and emerging leaders to:
- Deliver extraordinary customer value and experiences.
- Create Character-driven Cultures and Mindsets of Clarity, Commitment, Accountability, Service and Excellence.
- Build inclusive, joyful workplaces committed to Excellence…and,
- Define a clear direction for a more sustainable, effective and prosperous future.
I say this, knowing you know but also helping me to ever better articulate for myself and others… the what, why and how of my being and doing. With the final 4 Questions coming… now will be about how I will do it in seeking help, measuring milestones and yes, getting started.
Sis, I offer all of this because it inspired me do an Untangling (see above) of what I am now calling my 4 Flowers of Faith in action, if you will… artistically articulating my very own sense of being … in my Next Chapter. The Most Great Peace is at the center with my Just Cause of Humans Together Strong circling it… and then aspects of Home. Health and Helpfulness that integrate with it. Its creation increases my best sense of Agency… and I know that TUGtv will be an ever more powerful piece of that Helpfulness too. I also offer this in case it might be helpful for your own exploration of Compelling Clarity and Hopefulness. These 12 Questions patiently explored for one’s own answers … can help sharpen the blades on your own Compelling Clarity… and Hopefulness It is certainly helping me. The glorious future of Humanity means everything to me. As I celebrate the birthday of my Sister who was born ahead of me but did not get to travel this Life, I feel that she is smiling, and so am I. And, I am finding my own Most Great Peace and sense of Faith and Hope within. Insh’allah.
My PROMISE
Baha’u’llah said that we should be the “preserver of the sanctity” of our pledge. I know that all of this is still a work in progress and I am giving myself to the end of April to evolve the Clarity for this Next Chapter. I also know that this is a life long journey. That all said and noted, I say this on your 70th Birthday my Dear Soulful Sister. For this Next Chapter of my own Life, and for both of us…
- I pledge and promise that I will practice Love, Honour, Idealism, Unity, Zeal, Hopefulness, Happiness, Endeavour and Musicality to fuel my work towards a chosen noble Cause of The Most Great Peace, my own chosen Just Cause of Humans Together Strong and through my Service as The Unity Guy.
- Ultimately, I pledge my Life towards championing Humanity … at home, school, work, business, play, governance and community.
- Oh, and Sis… I will ever better take care of myself along the way. I truly, deeply, madly, cool, soulfully Love you Sis. You know that.
In Closing and Kind of Related
The other day, I offered up in conversation with trusted colleagues… an idea I have put into practice for years… and around which I recently updated things. I call it a Character Collage and it involves getting and bringing together photos or sketches of “people” who we admire … who hold some quality, strength or combination thereof. People can include alive or not, real or not, human or not. Every image needs to conjure up a Strength of Character you admire. Below is mine. I encourage you to have fun creating your own.
Epictetus said, “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” Onwards.
Peace, passion, purpose and prosperity…
Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.
CONSIDER
Developing Leadership Character – Ivey Business Journal
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.” ― Anne Frank
“Waste no more time arguing over what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius
“The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.” — Bahá’u’lláh
