For the past 3 years I have been on AIESEC International and for the past year I had the privilege of being President of AIESEC International. For sure the most intense and amazing leadership journey I have been on. Still, I was unable to write about it while it was happening - really. Grateful to AIESEC I am now embracing "life after AIESEC" as they call it.
I am back in Oslo, in what is perhaps the warmest and sunniest summer in my memory. Yet this particular summer is not a very peaceful one in the world. Right now there are two conflicts that are dominating the news. One is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, in particular the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The other is the conflict in Eastern Ukraine (civil war?) - which has rumbled on for months, but taking a bigger spotlight in the newspapers when a civilian airplane was shot down. Having just moved from the Netherlands (where most of the victims came from) a couple of days before it happened, I have gotten an extra close view to this event.
There are many thoughts I have about these conflicts and the world as a whole right now. In my year as President of AIESEC International, which is a truly global organisation, I had the ongoing and clear perception that the world is definitely not becoming a more peaceful place. It is getting worse. The level of frustration, conflict and violence, internally in countries and externally between countries, as well as people in general seems to me to be increasing - and quite rapidly. It is a big concern. Young people, unfortunately, rather than being part of the solution, seem to often be part of the stoking of the fires. Passionate, intensely so, we demand change.
I am a politically interested person, and I can for sure have many political opinions about what is happening. However, I think that is actually the least interesting, and least helpful contribution I (and frankly anyone) can make at this moment in time. Rather I would like to make some observations based on my leadership learnings in my year as President of AIESEC International.
I am back in Oslo, in what is perhaps the warmest and sunniest summer in my memory. Yet this particular summer is not a very peaceful one in the world. Right now there are two conflicts that are dominating the news. One is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, in particular the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The other is the conflict in Eastern Ukraine (civil war?) - which has rumbled on for months, but taking a bigger spotlight in the newspapers when a civilian airplane was shot down. Having just moved from the Netherlands (where most of the victims came from) a couple of days before it happened, I have gotten an extra close view to this event.
There are many thoughts I have about these conflicts and the world as a whole right now. In my year as President of AIESEC International, which is a truly global organisation, I had the ongoing and clear perception that the world is definitely not becoming a more peaceful place. It is getting worse. The level of frustration, conflict and violence, internally in countries and externally between countries, as well as people in general seems to me to be increasing - and quite rapidly. It is a big concern. Young people, unfortunately, rather than being part of the solution, seem to often be part of the stoking of the fires. Passionate, intensely so, we demand change.
I am a politically interested person, and I can for sure have many political opinions about what is happening. However, I think that is actually the least interesting, and least helpful contribution I (and frankly anyone) can make at this moment in time. Rather I would like to make some observations based on my leadership learnings in my year as President of AIESEC International.
- It is very natural for us to focus on "other people"
"The Russians are arming the rebels". "The Ukrainian government is provoking the rebels". "Hamas is attacking Israeli civilians with rockets". "The Israelis are killing children in Gaza". "The EU needs to change its policy to Russia".
However, we tend not to focus on ourselves and our own behaviour. This is particularly interesting, as our real influence is over our own behaviour and say (actually 100%) whereas we cannot control at all how other people behave or what they say. By accusing others of XYZ what behaviour am I displaying? What is the best way that I can behave to help the world be more peaceful? What is the thing I can do that will actually contribute positively? This is the most powerful question - except we often answer it by "The best thing I can do is to do something to influence others", by which we have (again!) turned the shoe on its head again (ie. protest, speak out, demonstrate, write on facebook what I think, discuss etc.). But what can I do (focusing on the I - not on "them"?).
Speaking of myself the best thing I can do is to spend more time to understand, read more - especially from sources that have different opinions than me - to understand others point of view better - to remain calm and empathetic - not to try to be right and prove my point of view - and in fact not to try to discuss or be right. Finally it is to demonstrate understanding, empathy and calm - because I can bring that, and it seems like it is needed. - We like to be fans - but the World Cup is over!
Who do you support? Israel or the Palestinians? Russia or the rebels or Ukraine? US or Russia? Europe or Russia?
I mean, this is absolutely absurd. It is not a football match. It is not a question of supporting one side. It is a question of supporting all sides. And to stop standing in the stadium shouting insults at the other fans, put away our flags and our banners, and walk away from the match. It's not a spectator sport.
I support all humans. I support the end of violence. And I support dialogue and understanding. And it starts with me.
These two perspectives might seem very simple and straightforward. They are. And I do not intend them as an instruction to anyone but myself. Leadership is about understanding people, where they come from and why the world is as is it is. It is also about withholding judgement, and granting empathy, trust and love. And finally about focusing on my own behaviour and actions.
May the world calm down so we don't repeat the "July crisis" on the 100 year anniversary of the hottest and most devastating July the world ever saw.
