Continued from front page >
From
the Editor This week I find myself pondering leadership. AFter watching debates between US presidential hopefuls and witnessing the political machinations in our own Council, I find myslef wondering if there are any true leaders left in politics. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled from 161 to 180 A.D. and has maintained the reputation for being the ideal wise leader whom Plato called the “philosopher king.” His book “Meditations” has inspired leaders for centuries because of its timeless wisdom about human behaviour. Here are 10 things every great leader should know: 1. Understand that people exist to help one another. Marcus believed that even though there will always be people who live selfishly and those who want to destroy others, mankind was meant to live in harmony. “That we came into the world for the sake of one another,” he writes. And within society, leaders such as himself emerge. And it is their duty to be the guardian of their followers. 2. Be mindful of others’ humanity. Remember that every one of your followers, every one of your superiors, and every one of your enemies is a human being who eats and sleeps and so forth. It sounds obvious, but it is easy to belittle or to magnify the importance of others when you are making a decision about them. Remember that every person has dignity and pride. 3. Realise that many mistakes, even egregious ones, are the result of ignorance. When a person makes a decision that offends you, Marcus writes, first consider whether they were “right to do this” in the sense that they are acting in a way that is morally acceptable, even if it is against your own self-interest. In that case, do not spend energy complaining about it. If, however, they are behaving in a reprehensible way, consider their actions to be based in ignorance. It’s for this reason that many of these offenders “resent being called unjust, or arrogant, or greedy,” Marcus writes. When dealing with your followers, punishment or chastisement should thus be done in an educational way. 4. Do not overly exalt yourself. It is true that leaders should take their leadership roles seriously, but not in a way that makes them feel godlike in some way. Remember, “you’ve made enough mistakes yourself,” Marcus writes. “You’re just like them.” And if you’ve managed to avoid some of the mistakes your followers make, then recognise that you have the potential to falter and do even worse.
5. Avoid quick judgments of others’ actions. Sometimes what you initially perceive as your followers’ or your competition’s mistakes are more wise and deliberate than you think. “A lot of things are means to some other end. You have to know an awful lot before you can judge other people’s actions with real understanding,” Marcus says. 6. Maintain self-control. While it is natural to react to an offence by losing your temper or even becoming irritated, it is in no way constructive. To maintain control over your emotions, Marcus writes, remember that life is short. You can choose to spend your time and energy languishing over things that have already happened, or you can choose to be calm and address any problems that arise. 7. Recognise that others can hurt you only if you let them. Think about a time when someone insulted you, for example. You made the decision to let their words hurt you, when you could have instead pitied them for being ignorant or rude. The only actions that should truly hurt you, Marcus writes, are things you do that are shameful, since you are in control of your own self-worth and values. 8. Know that pessimism can easily overtake you. It is common to have strong emotional reactions to disasters, but behaving in this way only keeps you from addressing the challenges that arise and fills you with powerful negative thoughts. “How much more damage anger and grief do than the things that cause them,” Marcus says. 9. Practice kindness. Sincere kindness is “invincible,” Marcus writes, and more powerful than any negative transgression. It takes a strong leader to set aside ego and base emotions and behave with compassion. “What can even the most vicious person do if you keep treating him with kindness and gently set him straight — if you get the chance — correcting him cheerfully at the exact moment that he’s trying to do you harm,” Marcus says. 10. Do not expect bad people to exempt you from their destructive ways. While great leaders can do everything possible to behave in a constructive and compassionate manner, they must also understand that there are those who find meaning in destroying others. It is not only foolish, Marcus writes, but “the act of a tyrant” to think that you can try to change these kinds of people or persuade them to treat you differently.
Rich Evans, Editor Email: editor@villagevoice.net.au
The Magpie Whisperer I assume Mayor Lesslie is aware of the function of the news media in a democracy. It is to watch government. The media is not the council’s enemy. So there’s no point in antagonising them by criticising the media for wanting to take a look at the people who won election and how they achieved it. Mayor Lesslie ought to avoid making stream-of-consciousness statements critical of the media for doing its job. The Lithgow media has long been supportive of the local community and is generally well-regarded He may have considerable urban council experience, but Lithgow is not Drummoyne. The council’s decision to sack the general manager was not unanimous, and the mayor voted against it. But it was decisive action, and democratic. Now, especially, Mayor Lesslie needs to demonstrate strong leadership without being overbearing. He should concentrate his focus on managing his fellow councillors as a functioning team, and with them, put together an action plan to take Lithgow forward. We need a mayor people want to follow, not someone people would rather avoid.
Friday 28th
October
Featuring ‘Side Show Annie’ Best dressed prizes, food and beverage specials, cash promotions
Gold Coin donation for entry
Proceeds to CanAssist LTPM/15/01277
Freaky Friday 2
Go to www.halloween.lithgow.com for more information and Jason Jackson’s Thriller tutorial video to practice the dance before the record-breaking event.
The Village Voice
Role of mayor easier with media behind you The decision by the new Lithgow Council to terminate the general manager’s contract, in order to swiftly resolve long-festering staff/management problems, is encouraging. Under normal circumstances, Mayor Stephen Lesslie and his team should be given the chance to do their work with the least distraction. But the media should always be there to watch them, and not be afraid to criticise them when the need arises. At the Lithgow Council meeting on monday, 10 October last, Mayor Lesslie’s opening remarks were highly critical of the Lithgow Mercury’s coverage of the mayoral election. He stated: “Those councillors looked at the issues and the candidates and chose the one they considered would do a better job. It is called democracy.” That’s not quite what happened. Four councillors chose Cr Marie Statham, four councillors chose Cr Lesslie, and Cr Ray Thompson abstained. Both names were put in a barrel, and one was drawn out and declared the winner. Cr Lesslie got lucky. It may be official procedure, but calling it democracy? That’s a hard sell.
gravely ill child battling cancer. The first Michael Jackson impersonator in Australia, Jason has been performing since winning a talent quest at age eight. For the past 30 years, he and his mother Teresa have handmade his ornate costumes. “I create my own world in a Michael kind of way,’’ Jason said. “When I go on stage I believe I am Michael Jackson. He’s the man I want to be.’’ Lithgow Mayor Stephen Lesslie encouraged everyone to take part in the Australian record-breaking dance-off and dress in costume: “The Thriller dance was very popular at last year’s event and promises to be another opportunity for the council to nurture community spirit, we look forward to welcoming all visitors to our region. “I am pleased to see that businesses in the CBD are enjoying the fun and going to great efforts with their window displays for the enjoyment of locals and the many visitors who traditionally attend Lithgow Halloween.’’ As in previous years, the family-friendly Lithgow Halloween `16 will include something for everyone, with a range of free community events in public spaces through to ticketed events at private venues. Clr Lesslie recommended visitors stay overnight in the area to fully explore the surprisingly diverse range of scenery, dining options and activities available in Lithgow and surrounds including the Back to Hartley event at Hartley Historic Site on the way to Sydney on Sunday, October 30.
Kellie Evans, Sales Email: sales@villagevoice.net.au
Office Details
Call our office on (02) 6355 4258 Office: 41A Williwa Street, Portland NSW 2847 Postal Address: PO Box 227 Portland NSW 2847 Visit our website at www.villagevoice.net.au
Notice to all advertisers and contributors
The Village Voice accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, submitted article or feedback published. Any advertisement, submitted article or feedback is published at the risk of the contributor, who accepts liability for any intended publication. By contributing to this publication, you agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is to the best of your knowledge accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, or in breach of any other laws and regulations.
Melbourne Cup at The Workies.. Tuesday 1st November
8am opening
Champagne Breakfast
Sweeps & fashions on the field Entertainment by ‘Natasha Duarte’ plus much more. First past the post for fun, food and entertainment! For more information call 6350 7777 visit www.workies.com.au or find us on Facebook submit your stories and read more at villagevoice.net.au