“Humans Were Made To Work Together”
Earlier today, in Leading By The Courage To See, I blogged about developing our courage by listening and seeing. This had been inspired by my reading in The Upside of Disruption: The Path To Leading and Thriving In The Unknown by Terence Mauri and the fourth book in The Five Towers series, The Yellow Tower, by J. B. Simmons. Still quoting out of the same paragraph as yesterday in The Yellow Tower, I want to tackle the line, “Humans were made to work together.” I believe this was emphasizing emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community in human life. It suggests that we thrive when we support and rely on one another, highlighting our social nature.
In The Upside of Disruption, Mauri also pointed out that the heart of successfully evolving and innovating is collaboration (humans working together). He stressed that great ideas rarely come from individuals isolated from everyone else. As John Hendrix says, “Our work gets better in community.” Just like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien needed each other and the rest of the Inklings, we need teams working together and collaborations to create new and exciting innovations.
The lesson here is that teamwork, connections, partnerships, collaborations, and shared experiences enrich our lives, organizations, and communities. Working together leads to greater innovation, problem-solving, and a sense of belonging.
Leading By The Courage To See
I finished reading the fourth book in The Five Towers series, The Yellow Tower, by J. B. Simmons, a couple of weeks ago but came across a few more notes I wanted to process from the reading. One of the things Cipher (the protagonist) was told was, “It takes courage to see.” This suggested that seeing beyond the surface requires bravery and introspection. This also implied that truly understanding oneself and the world involves confronting uncomfortable truths, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and facing fears.
This kind of insight often demands stepping outside of our comfort zone and challenging prevailing beliefs or perceptions. By highlighting the need for courage in gaining deeper understanding, Simmons, through Cipher, was emphasizing the transformative power of awareness and the importance of personal growth.
I’m reading The Upside of Disruption: The Path To Leading and Thriving In The Unknown right now and author Terence Mauri explained that courage is not innate and can be developed. In fact, he suggested we can sharpen our courage by listening and eliminating our preconceived notions. In a program I was facilitating a week ago, a school principal made the comment, “We need to listen, even when it hurts.” So true!
Another sentence the same paragraph in The Yellow Tower that I first quoted in this post is, “The Healer shows those who serve the most in Yellow how to heal, and those who lead the most how to see.” By stating that those who serve in Yellow (associated with warmth, optimism, and connection) learn to heal, it suggested that service to others can lead to personal growth and emotional resilience. It implied that through acts of kindness and support, we can foster healing, both for ourselves and those we help.
Furthermore, the idea that leaders learn to “see” indicated that leading with influence involves empathy and awareness. We, as leaders, must look beyond our own perspectives to understand the needs and experiences of others. This kind of insight is vital for fostering teamwork and collaboration.
Service and leadership are enriched by a deeper understanding of human connections, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and effective community.
“Burro”wing In And “Mining” Some History
Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the morning on Lake Havasu in Arizona. It was absolutely glorious. Lake Havasu is a large reservoir located on the Colorado River, straddling the border between California and Arizona. The lake was created in the 1930s by the construction of the Parker Dam (I’m going there today), it serves as a vital water supply for irrigation and municipal use in the region. Lake Havasu is famous for its recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The area also features the iconic London Bridge, which was relocated from England by Robert P. McCulloch, who founded Lake Havasu City, adding to the lake’s unique charm and cultural significance. I blogged about the London Bridge in Leading Like McCulloch Moving The London Bridge. Lake Havasu offers one of the most picturesque landscapes I’ve ever experienced.
Just as I thought I had seen it all, I spotted burros along the banks of the lake (see the featured photo this post for the picture I took). In doing some research I found out that these burros are direct descendants of the burros used in the gold and silver mines in the mountains and canyons in the area. When the mines were shut down, the miners liberated the burros and they have thrived here in the wild ever since. Amazing!
Then I learned of the burros living along Route 66, particularly in Oatman, Arizona. Of course, it was time to make the hour trek up Route 66 to Oatman. Boy am I glad I did. Oatman, Arizona the people, and the burros there are wonderful.
I never would have dreamed I would be taking selfies with descendants of mining burros!
These burros hold a significant place in local history and culture. Here are a few reasons I found are why they are important:
- Historical Background: As I said earlier, the burros are direct descendants of the pack animals used by miners during the gold rush in the early 1900s. When mining declined and ceased all together, the burros were liberated, and they adapted very well to the wild environment.
- Local Symbol: The burros have become a symbol of Oatman and its Old West charm. Their presence contributes to the town’s unique character and attracts tourists, making them an integral part of the local economy. Let me tell you from experience it is UNIQUE! And again, I loved the people, the town, and the burros!
- Wildlife Management: The burros represent a connection to the region’s wildlife heritage. They are now considered part of the local ecosystem, and their management is essential to balance their population and the environment.
- Tourist Attraction: Visitors along Route 66 and to Oatman often enjoy feeding and interacting with the burros, making them a key part of the tourist experience. This interaction helps promote awareness of the town’s history and the importance of conservation.
- Cultural Significance: The burros have been woven into local folklore and stories, enhancing the cultural tapestry of Oatman and reflecting the spirit of the American West.
For me, the burros of Oatman are not just animals; they are iconic representations of the town’s history, tourism, and cultural identity.
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