A week after I have returned from a wonderful conference in London organised by MindShop I thought I would share what was not only the most revealing moment of the Conference for me, but a deeply personal experience.
One of the speakers was Dr Darryl Cross, a psychologist from Australia and like me an accredited MindShop Facilitator. In his excellent presentation Darryl spoke about the 6 basic needs of Leaders: control and security; variety and difference; significance and importance; love and connection; growth and learning; and, legacy and contribution.
It was the fourth of these needs, love and connection, that enlightened me so much.
Three years ago on 19 September 2008 my sister, Ann, left us. Ravaged by cancer she died with dignity and surrounded by her close friends, my daughters, Jessica and Jade, and me. She was 58 years old, drank responsibly and never smoked. Although she had been diagnosed with cancer just over a year earlier the deterioration in her health over the final six month period was rapid. At that time and since my wife was unable to offer me comfort and support due to her own illness. I was left with a gaping hole in my life and I thought no one to turn to.
I was lucky that I had my girls. Jessica and Jade were both immense for their tender years and both had their own problems coming to terms with the loss of their devoted Aunt over the next few months. I am immensly proud of Jessica and Jade who never let me know if they were struggling to cope but not only continued with their own lives they also enriched the lives of others.
At the time I didn't want to think much about my businessess, it seemed unimportant and it was here that I benefited from the support of Sarah, my business partner and Wendy my Personal Assistant. They both knew what the right words to say were and when to say them. They worked hard to ensure that the business didn't suffer.
Once I could see it there appeared to be connections and love everywhere, and my life came back together but without me understanding why. Almost 3 years to the day Darryl gave me an explanation that I had been looking for. Thank you Darryl.
At the time I didn't want to think much about my businessess, it seemed unimportant and it was here that I benefited from the support of Sarah, my business partner and Wendy my Personal Assistant. They both knew what the right words to say were and when to say them. They worked hard to ensure that the business didn't suffer.
Once I could see it there appeared to be connections and love everywhere, and my life came back together but without me understanding why. Almost 3 years to the day Darryl gave me an explanation that I had been looking for. Thank you Darryl.
You can find out more about the 6 basic needs of leaders at http://www.drdarryl.com/AnnouncementRetrieve.aspx?ID=24256
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