My team asked me what has this year taught me. The answer is sooo much. There have been many moments of brilliance, passion and just humanity at it’s best. Unfortunately the opposite is also true. While keeping it real, I need to ensure you want to read to the end. So here’s what this year taught me.
Too few of us have the appetite to ask the big questions and seek solutions.
I fundamentally believe that the quality of any society is in how it treats it’s less fortunate and how it behaves in times of challenge. How can it be that we are the 6th largest economy in the world and yet hard working families have to go to food banks to survive. How did we get to a place where the statement “eat or heat” is so prevalent in our society’s vocabulary. These things don’t just happen by accident. Look at other nations. But if we are not willing to look beyond our own personal interests (starting at the top) and seek better for others, we experience what see now.
We have short memories!!
Eighteen months ago we clapped for our heroes and couldn’t praise them enough. At that time I wrote and said that history has provided us an opportunity to make radically choices that would address historical inequalities for healthcare and other workers. And late me justify this statement 4 billion pound was spent on PPE which wasn’t fit for purpose and unusable. The moment was lost.
Fast forward 18 months clapping doesn’t pay bills. We can’t say we value you in one breath and then begin a narrative of being unreasonable (and militant) when they say, well prove it! I don’t pretend these issues are easy. But if you step into leadership….lead.
People are prepared to have difficult conversations and experience discomfort.
One of the most encouraging features of 2022 is the increasing number of people who are willing to have conversations that are difficult and uncomfortable. I’ve had conversations that 5 – 10 years ago were inconceivable. I’ve had profound conversations with Exec members and senior leaders about race, neurodiversity, mental health, which are changing the thinking and behaviours of others. I’ve had many conversations that 5 – 10 years, would not have taken place. There is an appetite to understand the lived experience of others and rethink how can we create greater inclusivity. This has been so refreshing. Its not a straight forward and ugly moments still co-exist. But when lets celebrate the steps forward.
“If nothing else be intentional about being the very best version of you and when you do this, your sense of peace and satisfaction will be priceless. “
Akin Thomas
We need more stimulating conversations
Stimulating conversations are provoked by questions that force us to have dific
Disruption is key to a bright future
Les Brown said ““If You Do What is Easy Your Life Will Be Hard. But if You Do What is Hard Your Life Will Be Easy.” I don’t agree with the statement in full, but I get the sentiment. If you want a sense of achievement and fulfilment, it’s not likely to come from simply repeating what you’ve always done. Disrupt your normality and you will create a space for opportunities and experiences that could fundamentally shift your trajectory.
Be intentional about life
I’ve always believed this, but so much more this year. Make deliberate decisions that you will appreciate friends and family, that you will laugh every day, that you will be kind. When you shine then those around you benefit from the warm, the sense of safety and growth.
If nothing else be intentional about being the very best version of you and when you do this, your sense of peace and satisfaction will be priceless.
Written by Akin Thomas, CEO and Founder of AKD Solutions
For more information on AKD visit our website here www.akdsolutions.com
