As a proud Irish Canadian,
in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day I thought I’d share some Irish wisdom for the workplace. I can hear the Irish reading this say, “Irish wisdom in the workplace? Sure, isn’t that an oxymoron?” I think not. So here’s 10 bits of Irish wisdom to reflect upon over a wee sip of your favourite “contemplative beverage”.
1) What I’m afraid to hear I had better say first myself: Be honest with yourself about your own challenges and be the first to initiate the difficult conversations.
2) It’s a long road there’s no turn in: In case you live on the Prairies, this is easier understood in Ireland where there’s many a winding road. In short – things change so remember that difficult times don’t last forever, a turn in the road is just ahead.
3) There’s no use boiling your cabbage twice: Stop going over worries in your head because it solves nothing.
4) A family of Irish birth will argue and fight, but let a shout come from without and see them all unite: Within an organization, a little healthy conflict can be a good thing, but you’ve got each other’s backs out there in the world.
5) If you’re the only one that knows you’re afraid, you’re brave: Feel the fear and do it anyway.
6) No need to fear the ill wind when your haystacks are tied down: If you’re well prepared, you don’t have to worry about the metaphoric high winds or rough seas.
7) The longest road out is the shortest road home: The long road of preparation is the fast track to success.
8) You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind: Merely thinking about something won’t get it done. Thought THEN action creates results.
9) It is not a secret if three people know it: Use discretion in sharing information and when asked to keep something in confidence, truly keep it in confidence.
10) You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was: We all need to make are own way and build our own reputation. Riding on someone else’s coattails is a good way to slip and fall.
Bonus Bit: Instead of Murphy’s Law “Anything that can go wrong will”, I prefer to live under my wise and wonderful Nana’s law – “Anything is possible, with faith and hard work. You go for it!”
Wishing you a great week with this Irish blessing: May your troubles be less and your blessing be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.
Empowering change agent, Maureen “Mo” Douglas, practices radically positive public, workplace and leadership engagement. Click here for Mo’s FREE e-Guide to Better Public Engagement. Follow her on Twitter.
