TRADITIONS OF A IDENTITY CRISIS

The Hawaiian Culture uses the term lokahi(lo-kah-he)and fulfilling the need to be in lokahi with one’s self, with others, with Spirit… was the ancestors main objective in life.

 

These ancestors saw no distinctions between nature, each other, and spirit. Lokahi, the sense of connection with all things, is Pono (poh-noh). Ka Hana(kah-hah-nah) Pono is the means by which one brings this philosophy into every day life. Ho'oponopono ( Hoh-oh-poh-noh-poh-noh) is the time-honored, therapeutic practice of putting one's self back into right relationship with everything.

 

Why does it seem most other cultures (other than American), particularly tribal cultures, share connection and oneness to all things as a fundamental and governing belief system?

 

I think this is a very important concept to ponder because it causes those of us who live in the United States to question our heritage and the fundamental belief system upon which we operate. Millions of Americans have been raised without rituals, traditions, or rites of passage and as the "cultural-melting-pot" of the world, are starting to feel the effects of an identity crisis brought on by the "lack of connection" or "oneness" of a spiritually empty culture.

 

A Culture of Connection-less-ness

 

America's mixture of differing cultures is a fascinating phenomenon... perhaps causing our beliefs around work, family, and spiritual expression to be lost.  The global information economies obsessive focus on technology is fundamentally changing the worlds' cultures by diluting the belief systems that once made specific cultures unique and self-engaging... It's time once again to adopt the prime directive.

 

Because America is a democracy with a free market system we are at the front of this "technical cultural dilution". American business is at a point where our own belief system must shift from purely profit to one where we design our individual cultures to meet the collective needs of those that our businesses touch. Like never before we are touching all areas of the earth and we need to ask… “How are our products, services, and processes diluting the belief systems of the cultures we do business with? Not because it’s a nice thing to do, but because it can give us a strategic advantage in a fiercely competitive global market.

 

I operate from the fundamental belief that regardless of the massive changes brought on by the advancement of technology, human nature is relatively unchanged. Shakespeare’s account of the toils of men thousands of years ago give rise to the argument that human nature just might be immune to evolutionary constructs. Although our ancestors didn’t have the convenience of answering their cell phone and communicating with someone on the other side of the globe, they were however, according to the expressions of their belief system, more connected to the world around them.

 

As a business leader… what needs might be on the horizon as a result of this clash of cultures in this “technical cultural diluted” world? Might these needs give rise to new business opportunities?

 

Some of the world’s best business minds tell me that my business, Grainger Leadership Institute is poised as an authority when this perceptual shift becomes a tend… what are you doing with your business to help your customers, and employees return to that sense of connection… or as our Hawaiian ancestors would say “lokahi”

 

But I want to know what you think... share your thoughts by clicking the "comments" link below.

 

Engage Your Passion,

 

~M

 

The Hawaiian Culture uses the term lokahi(lo-kah-he)and fulfilling the need to be in lokahi with one’s self, with others, with Spirit… was the ancestors main objective in life.

 

These ancestors saw no distinctions between nature, each other, and spirit. Lokahi, the sense of connection with all things, is Pono (poh-noh). Ka Hana(kah-hah-nah) Pono is the means by which one brings this philosophy into every day life. Ho'oponopono ( Hoh-oh-poh-noh-poh-noh) is the time-honored, therapeutic practice of putting one's self back into right relationship with everything.

 

Why does it seem most other cultures (other than American), particularly tribal cultures, share connection and oneness to all things as a fundamental and governing belief system?

 

I think this is a very important concept to ponder because it causes those of us who live in the United States to question our heritage and the fundamental belief system upon which we operate. Millions of Americans have been raised without rituals, traditions, or rites of passage and as the "cultural-melting-pot" of the world, are starting to feel the effects of an identity crisis brought on by the "lack of connection" or "oneness" of a spiritually empty culture.

 

A Culture of Connection-less-ness

 

America's mixture of differing cultures is a fascinating phenomenon... perhaps causing our beliefs around work, family, and spiritual expression to be lost.  The global information economies obsessive focus on technology is fundamentally changing the worlds' cultures by diluting the belief systems that once made specific cultures unique and self-engaging... It's time once again to adopt the prime directive.

 

Because America is a democracy with a free market system we are at the front of this "technical cultural dilution". American business is at a point where our own belief system must shift from purely profit to one where we design our individual cultures to meet the collective needs of those that our businesses touch. Like never before we are touching all areas of the earth and we need to ask… “How are our products, services, and processes diluting the belief systems of the cultures we do business with? Not because it’s a nice thing to do, but because it can give us a strategic advantage in a fiercely competitive global market.

 

I operate from the fundamental belief that regardless of the massive changes brought on by the advancement of technology, human nature is relatively unchanged. Shakespeare’s account of the toils of men thousands of years ago give rise to the argument that human nature just might be immune to evolutionary constructs. Although our ancestors didn’t have the convenience of answering their cell phone and communicating with someone on the other side of the globe, they were however, according to the expressions of their belief system, more connected to the world around them.

 

As a business leader… what needs might be on the horizon as a result of this clash of cultures in this “technical cultural diluted” world? Might these needs give rise to new business opportunities?

 

Some of the world’s best business minds tell me that my business, Grainger Leadership Institute is poised as an authority when this perceptual shift becomes a tend… what are you doing with your business to help your customers, and employees return to that sense of connection… or as our Hawaiian ancestors would say “lokahi”

 

But I want to know what you think... share your thoughts by clicking the "comments" link below.

 

Engage Your Passion,

 

~M

 

SOURCES OF INFLUENCE

How RU Influenced?

Few of us rarely think about the way we are influenced. Thoughts and emotions come and go without a mindful evaluation of their origins.  Our predispositions & attachment continue to go "unmarked and unchecked" as we stumble through life.

But a new breed is emerging... one who genuinely values who they are becoming. This is a rare and unique pedigree of professional... this is the person you want to hire... & more importantly keep.

Leaders must exemplify this quality as well, for as we gain in self-awareness, we also gain insight into those factors that influence us most. Here is a short list of the most influential factors in our lives/careers:

• The Tribes of Our Lives: As a standard principle of organizational change, "people will only raise their game to the expectation level of their peer groups. Your peers have more influence on your choices than you care to admit
• Symbols: I was talking with a meeting planner today who is originally from Canada who was telling me how fun it is for her to interact with Canadians who "use the correct spelling of the Queen's English" Letters are symbols and symbols have significant influence over our behavior and emotions
• Language: Words are the most powerful force in existence for they serve as the foundations of thought... especially thoughts about identity and self.
• Leaders: Leaders have a significant impact on who we are and who we decide to become. That is why it is so vital that a leader develop their integrity, communication skills, and an in-depth understanding of cultural/group dynamics
• Politics: Be it national or office... politics is a game that carries significant weight when influencing the masses.
• Thoughts: The time you spend in contemplation with the brightness of your future is directly related to your ability to have that future. If you are not happy with the status quo of things... take a look at what you have been contemplating over the last few months/years.
• Media: While I think a mindless sitcom has it's place, inspiring & uplifting books/videos/audios are key to influencing yourself in a positive way. 
• Meetings:Whether its a family meeting or your weekly sales meeting, the majority of business leaders are pathetic at directing one of the most impactful & influential areas of business
• Presentations: A powerful presentation is a performance and impacts us emotionally. How well planned and rehearsed are your presentations. When you need to discuss anything with your boss... it's a presentation. When you need to discuss things with a colleague or client... it's a presentation. Remember the first time you seduced your partner... it was a presentation.

Although not comprehensive, this list gives you insight as to where an effective leader will place their focus. Leaders must to a better job at designing their business culture... most have no idea that they can actually direct their culture to do significantly more.

Please leave a comment below...

~Mark Allen Grainger

Satire Of A Guru-Video

Here's a quick video I think is awesome. He does a fantastic job of making education entertaining and relevant. Notice the creativity... and marvel at its power to influence. Can you guess who this is?

It is less than 5 minutes long and  humor packed. Adult Content



Please leave a comment in the section below about this video. This helps me provide future videos that are even better!

Engage Your Passion,

~ Mark Allen Grainger ~

In the New World of Business All That Counts is Authenticity

I just returned from giving a presentation to business owners about building their businesses upon their individual Core Values. I spoke at length about the need for their business to be authentic... let's face it, what's more "real" than Core Values.

Then I read Michele Miller's awesome Blog, Wonder Branding on marketing to women where she repeatedly discusses the necessity to express your buisness authentically.

Today she had a quick post with a link to her "girl power" associate, Holly Buchanan.  I absolutely love Holly's Blog post about Dodge and thier macho branding image. Its worth reading in its entirety, just so that you can laugh you ass off to her comparison of mens fragile ego and seemingly primal need to "dangle their balls". 

The entire post references a Dodge commercial that appearantly offers viewes a gay bashing perspective, but Holly's comments hit home with me on Dodges in-ability to stay true to their Core Beliefs.

Their in-ability to back up thier commercial with the same "make no excuses for my desires" mentality, illustrates the very incongruity I was speaking to business owners about earlier today.  This is a great read and awesome post... Thanks Michele/Holly.