Three Minute Leadership: Not Quite Yet

Robert Fulghum in his book, It Was on Fire When I Lay Down on It, introduces us to a wonderful Indonesian word, belum.  In a world in which the absolutes of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ demand a binary answer, belum provides an alternative response, one that implies “continuing possibility.”  Belum means “not quite yet.”   What beauty and richness this word adds to the leader’s life, allowing room for continued exploration, new avenues and yet unfolded possibilities.  Fulghum offers us some examples:

Is this the best of all possible worlds?                Belum.

Is the world coming to an end?                          Belum.

Will we live happily ever after?                          Belum.

 Let us take this magnificent new word, add it to our vocabulary and ask our own questions:

Have my greatest dreams already been realized?                                              Belum.

Have I done all that I can in helping others realize their dreams?                        Belum.

Have I given up on the person in whom I was losing hope?                                 Belum

Have I given up hope of finding the job that will give purpose to my life?             Belum

For  truly great leaders the question is: Have I given my all in creating the best of all possible worlds for my business, family, community and those whom I serve?  Assuredly, with a powerful, joyous and excited voice they will cry: Belum! Belum! Belum!  They live the words of Pearl S. Buck, American writer:  “All things are possible until they are proved impossible – and even the impossible may only be so, as of now.”   And in our last days, if the question is asked of us: Is your journey completed?, with a gentle smile, let our response be… Bellum. Please take care.

Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!

Mike