Hello High Heelers
I feel like every week I start off a statement that talks about how hectic the week has been. Well – this is yet another one of those openings. October has begun with a BANG!
I can proudly say that my nails look good. I moved on to trying the new ‘gel’ approach and this has proven to be ‘idiot safe’. I painted my house red this weekend (I did, I really did, and I did it all by myself – it looks great!) and I did it without tainting or house-acrylic-painting my nails. See? Idiot proof!
Though I remain unbroken for a change, this week presented me with the profound realisation that life itself is so very fragile and breakable. Sadly, Natalie lost her brother suddenly and tragically, and buried him on Thursday. Watching Natalie go through the level of pain she is experiencing at the moment is difficult. However, witnessing her unshakable strength, unfailing love and inspiring positivity has been a lesson in humility and hope.
You can tell the strength of a leader when you see the impact of her absence. When the shocking news broke, a quiet veil of silence and sadness hit our Johannesburg office. Natalie was hurting and as a result, we all were too. Not only did we miss Cliff, who has been working alongside us over the past four months, but we were heartbroken by the suffering of our mentor.
At the funeral, we were all blessed with the secret of what makes Natalie who she is – a foundation of excellent values and loyalty which was laid down by her mother. Natalie’s eulogy, which she delivered with strength and calmness, was a tribute to her mother’s love. Their mother taught them to always keep going, to keep aiming higher and to always live their values. Through a single mother’s strength and influence, two children filled with exceptional dreams came to be.
You’re all wondering what this has to do with the workplace lessons. Well, who you are at home has a profound impact on your work ability. Let me share some of the very valuable points I have learnt from Natalie’s home-life this week:
1. Some say you should never work with family – these ‘some’ are short sighted! Work with your family if you can, it will allow you to spend more time with them (which you will never regret when your time together is over) and will allow you the precious opportunity to get to know their talents and unique giftings. I’m sure it would be a good idea to set some boundaries though
2. Always listen to your mother. She has lived through more than you have and she filled you with amazing strength and values. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have this bond – listen to your aunts, grandmothers and friends’ moms. A true mother, is a mother to more than just her direct children.
3. Respect your mom throughout your life. She probably sacrificed a lot in allowing you to be who you are at home and at work – and you will never know the full extent of this (just think of your school fees to begin with!). Part of respecting her is fulfilling your dreams and reaching heights in your personal capacity – because she placed the foundation in you.
4. Lean on your colleagues when you need to. You spend so much time together and you create special relationships throughout the office. These are real, they are genuine and they will keep you going on tough days.
5. It’s ok to laugh when you’re going through difficult times. As Murphy’s Law would have it, our CEO, Ricky Robinson’s bottom caught alight during Natalie’s very poignant eulogy, talk about an ass burning moment! Ricky has now become the butt end (pardon the pun) of all the office jokes, which has allowed for great humility, humanity and comic relief. Embarrassing yes – but worthy of a good giggle. This reminds us that there’s always something to smile about – always!
6. Never stand too close to an open candle. Explanation – as above!
7. A pair of great heels will help you stand tall on days when you want to fall apart. Really – sincerely and honestly. Really!
I hope that you all have a wonderful week this week and that you take something from the lessons I’ve learnt. Know that you have in you, the strength to handle anything and everything that life throws at you. And if you feel a little shaky, pull out your highest heels and be assured in the knowledge that, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” (Ralf W Sockman).
Stand tall High Heelers.
(This week’s post is dedicated to Cliff Barry – he is greatly missed within and outside of our office, forever).
I feel like every week I start off a statement that talks about how hectic the week has been. Well – this is yet another one of those openings. October has begun with a BANG!
I can proudly say that my nails look good. I moved on to trying the new ‘gel’ approach and this has proven to be ‘idiot safe’. I painted my house red this weekend (I did, I really did, and I did it all by myself – it looks great!) and I did it without tainting or house-acrylic-painting my nails. See? Idiot proof!
Though I remain unbroken for a change, this week presented me with the profound realisation that life itself is so very fragile and breakable. Sadly, Natalie lost her brother suddenly and tragically, and buried him on Thursday. Watching Natalie go through the level of pain she is experiencing at the moment is difficult. However, witnessing her unshakable strength, unfailing love and inspiring positivity has been a lesson in humility and hope.
You can tell the strength of a leader when you see the impact of her absence. When the shocking news broke, a quiet veil of silence and sadness hit our Johannesburg office. Natalie was hurting and as a result, we all were too. Not only did we miss Cliff, who has been working alongside us over the past four months, but we were heartbroken by the suffering of our mentor.
At the funeral, we were all blessed with the secret of what makes Natalie who she is – a foundation of excellent values and loyalty which was laid down by her mother. Natalie’s eulogy, which she delivered with strength and calmness, was a tribute to her mother’s love. Their mother taught them to always keep going, to keep aiming higher and to always live their values. Through a single mother’s strength and influence, two children filled with exceptional dreams came to be.
You’re all wondering what this has to do with the workplace lessons. Well, who you are at home has a profound impact on your work ability. Let me share some of the very valuable points I have learnt from Natalie’s home-life this week:
1. Some say you should never work with family – these ‘some’ are short sighted! Work with your family if you can, it will allow you to spend more time with them (which you will never regret when your time together is over) and will allow you the precious opportunity to get to know their talents and unique giftings. I’m sure it would be a good idea to set some boundaries though
2. Always listen to your mother. She has lived through more than you have and she filled you with amazing strength and values. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have this bond – listen to your aunts, grandmothers and friends’ moms. A true mother, is a mother to more than just her direct children.
3. Respect your mom throughout your life. She probably sacrificed a lot in allowing you to be who you are at home and at work – and you will never know the full extent of this (just think of your school fees to begin with!). Part of respecting her is fulfilling your dreams and reaching heights in your personal capacity – because she placed the foundation in you.
4. Lean on your colleagues when you need to. You spend so much time together and you create special relationships throughout the office. These are real, they are genuine and they will keep you going on tough days.
5. It’s ok to laugh when you’re going through difficult times. As Murphy’s Law would have it, our CEO, Ricky Robinson’s bottom caught alight during Natalie’s very poignant eulogy, talk about an ass burning moment! Ricky has now become the butt end (pardon the pun) of all the office jokes, which has allowed for great humility, humanity and comic relief. Embarrassing yes – but worthy of a good giggle. This reminds us that there’s always something to smile about – always!
6. Never stand too close to an open candle. Explanation – as above!
7. A pair of great heels will help you stand tall on days when you want to fall apart. Really – sincerely and honestly. Really!
I hope that you all have a wonderful week this week and that you take something from the lessons I’ve learnt. Know that you have in you, the strength to handle anything and everything that life throws at you. And if you feel a little shaky, pull out your highest heels and be assured in the knowledge that, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” (Ralf W Sockman).
Stand tall High Heelers.
(This week’s post is dedicated to Cliff Barry – he is greatly missed within and outside of our office, forever).
No comments:
Post a Comment