How YOU Can Contribute Toward Our Common Future: Be a “LOOK AROUNDER”

Summary: How do you engage in the difficult time upon us all right now? Do you look up for inspiration? Do you look down, hoping things will work themselves out? Perhaps you are one of the smaller number willing to look around and decide that you will be the agent of positive change? Here are thoughts for the “look ‘arounders.'”

Firstly, when circumstances demand change, what do you do? 

Do you retreat, hoping for the way it was, the “good old days?”  

How about wanting to clear out everything familiar and start from scratch? 

Perhaps you complain and blame “them” (whoever that may be)? 

Similarly, do you want law and order or peace at any price? 

What is the route to a new normal and the best empowerment definition?

For instance, this is what I have been hearing from those in my executive leadership coaching program: The comments go from “I just want peace,” to “I want to feel empowered and help with the changes needed,” and still others say, “Just leave me alone, cause I don’t care.” 

Here I have some suggestions as we begin the long and winding road to the next phase of our shared future. 

The empowerment definition moves us beyond the concept of peace.

Being at peace means no conflict. Not at home or work. There is no fighting with neighbors, angry protestors, mobs who grab whatever they can, no polarization, no violence of any form.  

Except, this type of thinking is straight from “La La Land.” Or from the beginning of the film “Pleasantville.”

Likewise, it is part of the parody in the new movie, “Don’t Look Up.”

Should we look up to the stars or keep staring at our feet?

With a superb cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, and Jonas Hill, the film is a quirky, apocalyptic movie that has met with mixed reviews.

That is to say, it has lots of critics and yet, still has much to discuss.

Most importantly, it shows the divide in our present world. Some think we should “look up” and prepare for or find ways to avert an impending disaster.

In addition, anti-lookers disagree and say it best to be in the “don’t look up” camp and ignore what is on the horizon.

Above all, I suggest another avenue. How bout if we stop and look around!

New definition of empowerment includes the idea that peace and growth co-exist.

Therefore, change the word peace to grow, and continue the discussion.  

In other words, growth connects with conflict. 

In addition, change connects with conflict. 

Real peace, growth, and change go together—kind of like a ham and cheese sandwich with mustard. Or, if you prefer, like an avocado, egg, and celery salad.

Moreover, this is the core of a strong empowerment definition.

Move from peace to empowerment.

The next step we need to take right now is empowerment.  

Let me explain. 

The word empowerment is coming up more and more these days and has made headway in women’s rights. The Black Lives Matter Movement is also all about empowerment. It is becoming a forceful word for all who feel ignored or feel like second-class citizens. 

Leaders who are empowered are more than connected to their power. They are willing to look for new ways of leading during these difficult times.  

The definition of empowerment.

So, what does it mean? 

The word empowerment creates a feeling of excitement.  

It’s both personal and collective. 

For instance, when someone can say they are empowered, they have taken their skills and talents to make a difference for themselves and others. 

What is the difference between power and empowerment?

Above all, showing force and power is NOT the same as being empowered. 

Empowerment is a different kind of power. 

The definition of empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident in controlling your life and claiming your rights.

You stand for what can benefit you as well as those around you. There soon develops a deep understanding of how your behavior will impact others. 

Most importantly, ask questions and listen to the answers. Start the debate and then change to dialogue.  

There is a giant leap from debate to dialogue.

Debate, by definition, has winners and losers. 

Dialogue is much different. It’s a route to listening to and learning from each other. 

There’s a choice for you these days: As a leader, do you want and need to be robust, or do you want to take that fierce step to be truly empowered? 

It takes real courage, inner strength, creativity, and pattern-breaking spontaneity to begin the task of real change.

Become a boundary breaker who can also be a new boundary maker.

Until recent years, so many areas remained in the unspoken category. For starters, think about the #metoo movement and #blacklivesmatter.

Consider “the great resignation” and how there is a sea change in workers’ rights and basic salary.

To sum up, the big question, the significant empowerment definition, means look around. Empowerment means understanding that no one wins unless we all do. We are all on this beautiful yet hurting planet together.

In short, look around. What can you do to make positive change happen? Be a “Look ‘arounder.'” It’s what the world needs now more than ever.

To our connected future, 

Sylvia

PS. In conclusion, my book “UNIQUE: How Story Sparks Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement “offers a bridge to empowerment and dialogue. It is an eye-opener about how empowerment comes from listening to others and telling your personal story.