The art of bringing people with you

I have had this “motto” for some time now, a statement which helps me remember that I need to ensure that other people are with me as I walk through life. The statement is rather simple, but effective when put into action:

“Do what you love; take people with you”

As I write this blog I am preparing for a hike in the Berg - going in December. I have not yet finalised the pass that we will be doing or even if we will be doing a pass (we may just stay in the little Berg). Although there are some options for me which I would like to do: Xeni is one of the very few passes in the Cathedral Peak basin which I haven’t done, and having 4 days for the hike means that I have the option of the Mweni area which requires more days based on the long walk in.

But here is the point of the motto: Although I could organise to do one of these passes, there are some people who would like to come and may not manage with a pass so it would limit who can come with me. If we do a hike that is a bit easier, it will allow more people to join – “Do what I love...”  I love hiking “...Take people with you.”  The nature and difficulty of the hike will determine the group.

For you this may mean that you love to watch sports, that you love to play music or that you love to dance; it really does not matter what it is, but rather ask yourself how you can ensure that other people will join you on what you are doing. Make an environment where people both can and want to come with you.

As a business leader, this means making space for people to feel valued. If we are talking about a social context, it is allowing people to join in and be a part of what is happening. If it is a religious context, it is to let people know that they are wanted, not because of what they can offer but because of who they are. It is with this attitude that Jesus Christ came for us – He was not worried about what we can do for Him, but the bible says that “God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.

Let’s follow the example of Christ and make space for other people to come with us – do what you love; take people with you.