Written by Grant Taylor, Lifewise
Don’t die a potato.
I’ll finish the readings before Retreat Three of The NZ Leadership Programme, do my meditation every day and, of course, journal daily.
Retreat Three: A Civil Society is tomorrow. I’m sure I can finish the readings tonight. Yes, there are A LOT. I’ll watch the videos, that takes less brain power. Is that a cop out? I can’t even muster the strength or motivation to read some articles that have been spoon fed to me! My mind is racing, work deadlines, Personal protective equipment for all staff, personal conflict in a remote work environment. Are my children ok? What about my parents? What is wrong with me?
Is it possible I’ve been caught up in The Overwhelm? Am I trying to be a carrot, am I broccoli, am I actually just a kumara?
“Zoom is now a way of life, and I am surprised by the warmth and fullness I feel when I see the wise and friendly faces staring back at me, but not at me.”
Connecting back online with my 2020 Cohort felt comfortable - like putting on my favourite old sweatshirt.
How does New Zealand rate as a civil society? I strangely feel slightly equipped to understand some of the complex and challenging questions this topic throws at me (and us collectively). Was I prepared for the power, rawness, determination and impact of the session from Anjum Rahman? Afterwards it felt like I had just walked out of the movie theatre in 1994 the first time I saw Once Were Warriors, all over again. Not in New Zealand. Yes, in New Zealand, today, tomorrow, right now.
My privilege questionnaire score was not a surprise. I surprisingly self-accepted it without guilt. White middle class male - YES, my score was high. Do I do enough with my privilege? Do I truly understand what it is like to be a New Zealander if privilege is not in your history, or family or whanau history? The NZ Leadership Programme takes you places you have never been before.
The overwhelm of the night before the Retreat seems to have gone. What is that all about? It feels like the starting point is the beginning of some clarity around my purpose. What drives me, and what holds me back? Where is this leading me? This requires a deeper open enquiry as part of my personal leadership journey.
Simplicity and clarity seem to have something to do with it too.
I think I will just be a kumara. Life seems easier this way.
I’m not dying a potato.
Did Grant’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
Are you a mid-career, senior executive or community leader in New Zealand who cares for the future of our nation? Do you know someone who is? Applications for our 2021 Signature Programme are OPEN NOW: https://www.leadershipnz.co.nz/programme/applications-faqs