Navigating Rough Waters

Are you feeling it too? I mean do you feel like you just received an uppercut from Ali and your falling backwards in a daze? I don’t think you’re alone. These are trying times my friends. Of course, this Presidential election is not helping as the two loudmouths bicker like children on a playground. Although the state of U.S. politics is disgusting, our current feelings are the consequence of something much more fundamental and deeper. The world is undergoing a complete transformation, politically, socially and economically. I believe we’ll soon be entering Class-5 rapids.

I’m currently reading Paul Mason’s book “PostCapitalism” in which he makes a compelling argument that capitalism, as we know it, is dead. The evidence, rapidly increasing public sector debt in all Western economies, stagnating wages, evaporating middleclass, and ballooning fiat currency. Mason’s prognosis, the principles of neoliberalism no longer work, especially in an increasingly globalized world built on digital technologies. A new model has to be devised and we have to abandon the very beliefs that we have embraced for over two centuries.

This morning I listened to Tim Ferris’ podcast, which featured Jocko Willink. Willink was a Navy Seal and as Ferris declares, the scariest man in the world. I was really impressed with Willink’s demeanor as he answered various questions submitted by individuals, many of who had agendas. He handled all questions like a champ, no emotions and no anger. Here is a man that has a laser focus, knows who he is, and who has the humility and emotional intelligence to navigate in a world where differing opinions and values are subject to public attack and scorn. What would Willink’s thoughts be regarding the treatise presented by Mason? My guess it would be something along the lines, “with discipline, teamwork and effective leadership, we’ll get through any challenges we are confronted by.”

Yes, these are rough waters and this world needs new leaders if we are going to stay afloat. I believe these leaders need to have two fundamental qualities. First, they need to demonstrate straight, but empathetic communication skills. When they talk, people will listen if they know the person talking is genuine, experienced, honest, courageous and committed to a better world for all. Most importantly, they need to know that the person is not a snake oil salesman with a line of bullshit a mile long. Second, our new leaders need to be modern-day protean men (and women) who are able to simultaneously hold multiple viewpoints and world visions, and then have the courage to let go of old beliefs and adjust to new realities. They need to be resilient in a world that is volatile and changing rapidly.

Yes, we are in desperate need for new leaders. I suggest we stop waiting for these leaders to surface at the national level and embrace this new leadership role in our personal lives, families and communities. Change will happen from the ground up, and we who are in our second adulthood are in the best position to step up to the challenge. What do you think? Are you prepared for the challenge? They need us.

#leadership