A person has a need, asks and you help.
A person has a need, and you give before they ask you and they know.
A person has a need, and you give anonymously.
A person is cared for so that need does not even arise.
Which would you rather receive? Which would you rather give? I say, mix it up and be real to show love as circumstance demands.
I know some history and development of capitalism. However, reading an excellent article “Good Companies” in the latest RSA Journal, which relays the historical role of business in society, it hit home to me as a business owner. The article sketched how businesses were started to serve customer and society needs. Sainsbury’s and M&S gave access to farm produce, Rowntree and Cadbury’s provided chocolate of an assured standard which consumers demanded . This is causing me to ask the question of my company, Ruuvand, what gap are we plugging for individuals and for society? What are we helping clients and society to access more of, more easily or more cost effectively? Tough question for me!
Here is my response. We make meaning from our values and considerable energy can be generated from them. Yet few of us invest time in clarifying our values or in challenging our mindsets as a starting point for achievement. No wonder work-life balance is out of kilter for most people. Some are are fortunate to single-handedly identify their values and live value-led lives. We spend most of our time learning how “to do” and choosing what “to have”, but precious little time on who and how “to be”. It is not necessarily the long hours or the tough demands of the job that tips the balance, but often the mindset.
Mindset determines our attitude and approach. What we do at Ruuvand is help people to develop a Mindset to achieve their highest aspirations, best performance and to meet their toughest challenges. We get there faster than if the individual or group were working on their own.
When our clients develop a chosen Mindset, they often go on to achieve their aims whilst maintaining their well-being. For most people, a “Reach-back mindset” is key, reaching into who they really are, which can be different from who they have become.
Ruuvand’s impact on society is evident in our clients’ achievements and their positive impact on people they interact with in their lives.
I mean, just being, rather than the human entity. Mindfulness may be the familiar term used in the mainstream and in Buddhism. This is my take on a concept I find very helpful.
How many of us know how to be? Just be, in the present, not in the past or the future. I find it a challenge with thoughts always whizzing through my mind and with a natural tendency to reflect on events, the past. I am determined to conquer being and I can see some progress. I now recognise many of the times when I am not being in the present. As Karen Sothers says, it takes a lifetime of practice and even then…
My route to this discovery came when I asked for help to improve my presence when I network. She told me a story about a successful networker who just pays attention to anyone she is talking to. It confirmed to me that ‘presence’ is more than being the dominant figure in the environment or the life of the party. Presence comes with being present in the moment, taking full advantage it and responding in real time to the opportunities it provides. Neither dwelling on events or parts of the conversation that preceded the moment nor anticipating the direction of the conversation and seeking an opening to get a word in.
My teacher, Leah said being present is a ‘present’ to be cherished and my coach, Duncan who taught me not to fight distraction but acknowledge its presence but let it go immediately. I am learning to smell the air in a room, sense the muscles in my shoulders or move my toes to remind me of just being. What I have discovered is the peace that comes with being present, listening better, connecting better with people. I am at my best when I am just being.