Starting with Yes

We see what we are ready to see, expect to see, and even desire to see. If you start with no, you usually get some form of no in return. If you start with yes, you are much more likely to get a yes back. Once you have learned how to say a fundamental yes, later no's can be very helpful and are surely necessary. Beginning with yes is the foundation of mature nonviolence and compassionate action. (Richard Rhor)

This quote from Richard Rohr got me thinking. What is it that we are saying ‘yes’ to if we follow the thinking here? I can offer a theosophical perspective but reflecting on this from the leadership dimension I believe the ‘yes’ has to do with positivity and openness, optimism and inspiration. If we wish to access and express our inner power and inspire that in others, being fastidiously aware of our mind-set is very important.

Optimism is a key quality within emotional competence and maturity. It’s a quality that helps us to see so much more than we might otherwise if were from the ‘glass half empty’ brigade. It taps us into the field of possibility and potentiality – this is magnetic. It also inclines us toward a more open and compassionate mind-set – one where we are connecting with others and sensing, and perhaps drawing on, their energy as well as feeding energy into the mix.

What about the ‘fundamental yes’? I would say this is about an attitude and commitment to leadership. One where we have fully embraced and own the choice we have made to step into a leadership position and therefore the consequent responsibility we have to live from a place of optimism and openness. And one where we recognise the performance driving energy that an optimistic and responsible attitude brings to a team and an organisation.