Abolish the myth of THEM

The myth of THEM leaves you believing you are separate from the problems you see in others. For 20 years, I have been a witness to, and party in, this delusional story that always begins with this sentiment, “When these people show better leadership we will be able to……….” this is what I call the myth of THEM.

Back in 1950 Albert Einstein had noticed the same behaviour and wrote these words in a letter to Robert S. Marcus. “A human being is part of the whole, called by us “universe,” limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness”.

Because we experience looking out upon the problem, we see it separated from us. I have noticed that the observers are often delighted with themselves for noticing the issues, which in turn reinforces the most seductive part of the delusion, It’s not me!

The question to ask after hearing the myth of THEM begin is;
What part do I play in all of this?

As Einstein posits, we are all connected in what we call the “universe”; therefore, we are all connected to the company where we have observed the challenges.

This leads to the irrefutable truth; there is no THEM there is just US.

Einstein goes on to warn that the delusion of separation is a prison that restricts our personal desires and limits us.

As a leader, you must free yourself from this prison by widening your circle of compassion to embrace all the people connected in your company and beyond. You must learn through personal awareness that the whole has more value and that the behaviours you see are, in part, created by you.

Your power to create change and build a better company begins when you tear down the delusion of THEM and take your place in US.

good luck in 2018

Tim

“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.”

― Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi 13th century

If you are interested in learning more about MGL or how to implement any of our models with your team, please contact chris@makinggreatleaders.com or call +1 203 253 2836.

Leave a Reply