Human First, Leader Second

5 » ACCEPTANCE Understanding Context and Clarity

Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.

LAO TZU, Taoist philosopher

Everyone was on the edge of their seat, intently listening to Mehrsa, one of my workshop attendees. She was a successful corporate attorney who typically had a tough, capable demeanor with an air of detachment. But now, she was sharing stories about growing up in an immigrant family, carrying the burden of high expectations all her life, and facing constant, near-daily scrutiny and bigotry. It became clear that her rigid exterior was a protective shell that had ...