Most of us guys have a hard time keeping it real with ourselves, let alone others. We put on these costumes of manhood and pound our chests and that’s supposedly our real self. Rick Clemons, my mate from the States and I are calling bull shit and keeping it real. Its the only acronym you'll need.
Policing’s processes and values of control often get in the way of its own development. It is this culture of policing that struggles in the constant daze of metamorphosis, almost to the point of cultural paralysis.
I was bullied in school. At 17, I was left at the crossroads of pursuing a career as a DJ or becoming a police officer, and for purely monetary reasons, I chose the uniform. Even with the uniform, the bullying continued, but I survived for 26 years in the line of duty working my way up the ladder, leading the status quo life, becoming "King of the S**t," and then stepping up the ladder to consider becoming "S**t of the Kings!" Finally, the status quo of life sent me to the dark places of anxiety and depression.
I recently appeared on the 'Life (Un)Closeted Podcast as a guest of Rick Clemons, Inspiring Speaker, Status Quo Disruptor and Bold Move Expert. Sharing my truth, my journey, and my 'uncloseting' from living a status quo life, even when others scratched their heads thinking, "What's wrong with this bloke? His life looks pretty damn good to me!"
Showing humility is hard, especially for traditional leaders. Old power and old culture suggests that leaders are the ones that tell people what to do, they have answers. Humility can feel soft when times are hard and may make leaders appear vulnerable. Be here’s the thing. This is exactly humility’s virtue.
When he arrives he sees the car is in fact stuck on the traffic island. All four (4) wheels are off the ground. The engine is running. There is only one person in the car and he is driving!
When he arrives he sees the car is in fact stuck on the traffic island. All four (4) wheels are off the ground. The engine is running. There is only one person in the car and he is driving!
Antoine De Saint‐Exupéry, author of The Little Prince once said, ‘If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the people to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.’
By far the biggest change I have has seen is in leadership and culture. Individuals and organisation alike have been in the constant daze of cultural and leadership metamorphosis but it is still the one thing that lies at the heart of us all. It’s the ethos, the spirit, the vibe that keeps us together.
The sun has set. Your room has grown dark and is dimly lit by the bedside lamp as you crawl in under the covers and pull them up to your chin. You are five years old and your mum or dad sits beside you on the bed and opens your favourite book. The part of the day you waited for the most. It's time for a story.
