I am in a part of the world steeped in history. From the Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines to Nabateans, I tread on lands once walked by generals, soldiers, prophets, travellers, merchants, builders, and creators. Millennia of civilisations have risen and fallen here and the remnants they left behind never fail to awe me.
This is not my first visit. Yet each time, I am struck anew by the rich history and the intricate tapestry of time that, with closed eyes, can transport me to a distant past. The sun blazes fiercely, and the people remain warm and welcoming, often smiling. A summer breeze, when it comes, is a blessed reprieve from the relentless 11 UV protection warning my phone insists upon.
As I traverse these ancient lands, I ponder leadership, legacy, and what we leave behind after we depart this world. What becomes of us but dust mites and dim memories? Perhaps a photo will linger, and future generations will wonder who we were. Perhaps we will leave words for them to read. Perhaps we will leave behind children and people we have touched. Perhaps we will leave nothing at all.
This thinking morphs into what, over the years, I have been contemplating. Something that has become an obsession really: in a world that encourages consumption, how, when and where do I build? How, when and where do I create? And how do I balance consumption with creation?
Do you ever wonder the same? Do you question how to balance consuming and creating? Does this contemplation guide where you invest your time and energy? Does it matter to you?
I believe leaders must grapple with these questions. They must consider the balance between consumption and creation, between adding value and simply taking it. As leaders gain more power and influence, they must recognise their impact extends beyond personal habits to that of their teams and organisations. Leaders should ask themselves: Are we merely consuming resources, information, and energy, or are we actively contributing to the creation of new ideas, solutions, and value?
Creation encompasses more than producing tangible products or services. It involves fostering innovation, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, and inspiring others to think and act creatively. A leader focused on creation invests in the future, ensuring their legacy is one of progress and positive change. This means encouraging team members to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Consumption is inevitable and necessary. We consume information to stay informed, resources to build, and time to reflect. However, excessive consumption without a balance of creation can lead to stagnation. Leaders must ensure consumption fuels creation rather than hindering it or leading to more consumption.
In today’s world, where information overload and distractions abound, leaders must be intentional about how they allocate their time and energy. Prioritising creation means dedicating time for strategic thinking, innovation, and development. It requires being proactive rather than reactive, shaping the future instead of merely adapting to it.
Leaders also have a moral duty to cultivate an environment that values and rewards creation. This involves recognising and celebrating creative efforts, providing resources and support for innovative thinking, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. By doing so, leaders not only enhance their legacy but also empower their teams to leave a lasting impact.
Balancing creation and consumption affects personal well-being too. Leaders constantly in consumption mode may experience burnout and fatigue. Constant consumption demands more consumption; it is insatiable. Conversely, those who focus on creation often find greater fulfillment and purpose. Therefore, it is crucial to balance time spent between consuming and creating.
Reflecting on the legacies of great civilisations that thrived on these ancient lands, I see the enduring power of creation. The structures, philosophies, and innovations they left behind continue to inspire and influence us today. Leaders can learn from this, understanding that even small contributions can have a lasting impact.
As I leave one ancient site for another, I encounter a poignant epitaph left by Arabios, a Roman philosopher, on his grave. It reads, “To you passerby, I say: the way you are now, I was. The way I am now, you shall be. Enjoy life as you will [soon] be gone.”
As leaders, we are constantly walking a fine line between consumption and creation. The legacies of the ancient civilisations remind us that what we create can have a lasting impact, shaping the future long after we are gone. By prioritising creation over mere consumption, or at least striving for some balance, we can build meaningful connections, inspire innovation, and leave a legacy of progress. Like the ancient lands we walk upon, our contributions today can become the foundations for tomorrow’s greatness. For we are all creating on the shoulders of the giants before us. If we choose to.
And as always, if you invest in yourself the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
Share this post