LDRS 500-Light from Many Lamps-Unit 10
“The best of life is always ahead, always further on” (Sir William 1940, as cited in Watson, 1951, p.267).
The philosophy of life given by Sir William Mulock to his fellow men to all young people who loved life and loved work and looked forward with pleasure to whatever still lay ahead. His message and inspiration implicated in many takeaway lessons.
To greet each day without confusion, develop the habit of seeing the positive side of things has a less negative impact with greater emotional stability and self-esteem kept him young in his spirit. Having goal provides a sense of purpose to do one’s appointed task and strive to meet a goal or fulfill a mission. Contentment and happiness make a person focus on all his energy on living up his or her full potential; therefore, the focus will be on his or her growth and development will bring the ambition of a good job and other fulfillment.
Psychologists from McMaster University (2005) discovered that the aging process improves specific abilities: Older people appear to be better and faster at grasping the big picture than their younger counterparts. Sekuler noted that “young brains seemed better able at focusing on details to the exclusion of their surroundings while more mature brains can take in the entire scene” (McMaster University, 2005).
A study by the Associated Press & NORC Center for Public Affairs found that “92% of workers aged 50 or older say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their job. It’s believed that by the time we age to a certain level we have found the type of work that we feel is fulfilling and satisfying”(Sedensky, 2013). Growing old, have many advantages when it counts to gain experience and to see the big picture.
The relationship between leadership and age may be relevant. One of the studies shows that “younger and older managers have different profiles in their consultative and participative leadership styles. Older managers consulted more widely and favored more participation in comparison with younger managers. However, the two groups of managers both practice directive and delegative leadership styles at about the same degree” (Oshagbemi, 2004, p.14).
Growing old means, Live in the moment very merely but wholly, have serene contentment, enjoying the many blessing, and focusing on the positives in the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. The wisdom that earned through knowledge, tolerance for different views and values and the ability to deal with the inevitable uncertainty of life effectively can be in the realm of decision-making that affects us and others.
Regarding my experience, I learned earlier is listening and self-reflecting, revaluing my dreams has a positive impact on my profession that I appreciate. A good leader knows his/her strength and weakness, content to the responsibilities and duties assigned to them and also content to others when developing their team and the best of life is always further on. “The real lure hidden from our eyes, somewhere behind the hills of the time” (Sir William; as cited in Watson, 1951, p.268). The inspiration to meet the challenge of the years with dignity and serenity is always further on.
Reflective practice and the enhancement of happiness (Rosenberg, 2009) reveals how one function of reflective practice is the cultivation of happiness. “Ultimately happiness is a dynamic state which enhances personal and organizational change processes. Transformational and ethical characteristics are intrinsic to this dynamic state” (Rosenberg, 2009, p.9).
Sir William’s words in his ninety-fifth birthday touched everyone’s heart, “I am still at work, with my hand to the plow, and my face to the future. The shadow of evening lengthen about me, but morning is in my heart” (Watson, 1951, p.268). Growing older is a quality of life when “making a good friend and cherish good memories” (Watson,1951, p. 269). It’s impressive to keep looking ahead and find the best in life.
References
McMaster University. (2005, February 6). Older People Get The Big Picture Faster, And They Are Less Inhibited. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050204212512.htm
Oshagbemi, T. (2004) Age influences on the leadership styles and behavior of
managers, Employee Relations, 26(1), pp.14-29 doi.org/10.1108/01425450410506878 Retrieved from https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/01425450410506878
(2010) Transforming leadership: reflective practice and the enhancement of happiness, Reflective Practice, 11(1), P.9-18DOI: 10.1080/14623940903525207 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14623940903525207