“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.” ~Albert Einstein

You would have to be living in a cave tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains to not see the hostilities that are raging around the world. The Ukraine, Multiple conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Somalia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and of course the events unfolding here in our own backyard are just some of the world-wide hostilities taking place. That said, how can we navigate a effective leadership path through our daily lives while being continuously barraged by the 24-hour news stream and social media. I truly believe it boils down to what Albert Einstein said (quote above) when he spoke those words so many years ago about how we view the world and the impact that has on our lives.

Below is a shortened version of a chapter adapted from Joe’s book, The Art of Leading, Coaching, & Influencing Others™ 

… In other words, what Albert is saying is that you have to decide if this place you inhabit, is a safe place or a dangerous one.  A place where you approach each interaction with a self-protective mindset or a place where you can relax and trust the process.

Our experiences, along with our upbringings, play an important role in how we pass through our days on earth. When, where, how, and by whom you were raised, has an enormous impact on what we understand to be “normal.”

Our definitions of “normal” varies widely from person to person, family to family, and culture to culture. For example, folks raised during The Great Depression of the 1930’s see the world much differently then a child raised in the economic boom cycle of the 1990’s.

How Were You Raised?

In our inter-connected, multi-cultural world, the culture in which we were raised significantly impacts how we lead.

In organizations with locations scattered all over the world, it is quite typical that as part of their leadership development program, they transfer leaders between the different countries so they can broaden their perspectives and expose them to different cultures.

I once worked with a leader from South America who struggled with conflict because in his town growing up, conflict would literally cost you your life. So he learned not to confront others (including his people) on performance issues or anything that resembled a conflict. His cultural background manifested itself in his desire to make everyone happy and to not make waves. The results: his employee’s pushed back on him, disrespected his authority, and had no accountability or ownership for their work, all of which reflected on him as a leader.

When you take into consideration the constant barrage by a news media who peddles fear and sensationalizes the facts, add the social media factor and the ability to share violent and horrific videos live, it can be extremely difficult to not be over-run by a fear-based mind-set.

Do You Choose Hostile or Friendly?

For the record, I understand that the world is not all sunshine, rainbows and unicorns. And yet, as a leader if you choose to see that for the most part, the world is a friendly place and people are good, more times than not, you will give others the benefit of the doubt. You will realize that not everyone is out to get you, make you look bad, or throw you under the bus…and you will be happier.

As a leader, when you trust others you delegate more and you micro-manage less. When the world is a friendly place you collaborate more with your people and your peers. Your ability to collaborate will allow you to get more things done than you ever could if you were isolated and hiding behind a fear-based shield. And when you get more things done, you increase your value to the organization and therefore your ability to be promoted.

In the end … you win.

In Conclusion

If you believe the world is a friendly place, there will be times when things don’t go as planned and you may occasionally get burned. In those situations, you’re more likely to search for solutions and ways to make it better than to point finger, blame, and condemn, in order to protect yourself.

Each day you have the opportunity to choose between whether you live in a friendly or hostile universe.

Maybe old Albert had it right when he said … this truly is one of the most important decisions we make.

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