The end of the year often becomes an opportunity for some kind of a reflection. I have not done this for a long time, so I hope you may show some tolerance now and let me share a few points with you here. Definitely they are not only about the politics.
Leaders?
We don’t vote for leaders, we can either follow them or not. That is our free choice. For a leader, it is important or rather natural to care about the opinions of those behind him. Loyalty is required but not sufficient. If the leader does not listen, he will be surrounded by yes-men and cravens. That is the road to hell or a dictatorship which sooner or later ends up in hell anyway. People grow with challenges which are entrusted to them. Balance of experience and enthusiasm is needed. The only thing which works is a personal example.
Strategy?
People who carry out programs are more important than the programs themselves. Otherwise paper remains being just paper. Programs are and must be dynamic, flexible to changes. Consensus is more important than compromise which nobody likes and everybody breaks. Consensus means the absolute or at least partial identification with the goal. The path towards reaching it is facilitated by a common vision, even though it is necessary to overcome obstacles and avoid dead-end streets. Successful people have inner motivation, external or learnt one is not enough.
A few rules:
Common sense surpasses anything else.
Less is more.
Always check if you don´t happen to create more damage than benefits in the name of good.
Trust but control (but not all the time and when you lose your temper).
Mistakes can be made once but never repeated, they don´t just happen by themselves – they always have “parents”.
If it is expressed immediately, even a small approval will be enjoyed, criticism requires prudence.
Delayed justice is denied justice.
Sometimes, but not always, “in God we trust, others bring the data” holds true.
There are always some alternatives.
It is better to do something and make a mistake than to hide and avoid decisions.
Mob has no brain, only a mob psychosis.
Small issues are solved by waving it off with your hand.
To say “no” time to time is a sign of a healthy mental hygiene, not negativism.
Mirror has no mercy, if you can’t see your reflection, let the others to do the work.
Let’s hope this can help us. So, may this year bring a lot of success to us!
By Ivan Pilný