SEEKING PEOPLE OF EXCELLENT CHARACTER

The world was created in such a manner that no one can live all alone without having anything to do with other human beings. Remember such sayings like:
No Man is an Island, A tree cannot make a forest, everyone makes a living selling something to someone, you cannot clap with one hand etc..

Such sayings are based on the fact, that each of us rely on others to have an input into our lives so that we might make wise decisions and display sound moral behaviour.

In his book " The transforming Friendship" James Hudson tells the story of two friends, Alberecht Durer and Franz Kingstein, who were very poor and had to work so hard to support themselves and also had to train as artist in their spare time to support themselves, however, their manual work was too demanding to allow them proper training, in desperation they decided that they should cast lot to determine which of them should carry on working to support the other in arts school. Alberecht Durer, won the toss, so he went up to spend time with famous artists in training while, Franz had to work extra hard to support them both.

Eventually, Alberecht return to relieve his friend because he had become successful as an artist. He would now be able to send Franz off to school, but to his horror, he discovered that the heavy manual work had ruine Franz hands forever. Franz, would never be able to be an artist anymore, he had forfeited his own artistic future out of loyalty for his friend.

One day, Alberecht found Franz on his Knees with his hands clasped together in prayer gnarled and yet offered to God in loving sacrifice. Hurriedly, Alberecht sketched the moment and produced a symbol of what we now have as the symbol of prayer.

Artistic Sketch of praying hands by Alberecht Durer

As individuals, Administrators and Managers we base the majority of our decisions on information that is fed to us by our family members, relations, friends, colleagues etc.
The headcoach of the Super Eagles for instance, would always rely on his assistance to do the daily work of helping players improve their games and practice drills when they are in camp. The truth remains that we would always need people to get to where we want to reach in this life's journey, but the big question remains: who do we really need in our lives?

The story is also told of an undergraduate, who was seeking advice from her academic advisor. Please, tell me who the best professors are so I can take their courses. The advisor smiled and replied: but shouldn't you be more concerned about getting the courses you need to complete your Major? The young woman replied, I think if I start taking classes from the best professors, I would know better what majors I want.

Who do you surround yourself with? Are they people who would help you achieve your dreams and aspirations or are they dream busters??.. If you surround yourself with mentors who are well trained and also are willing to give their best advice then you are sure to advance faster in your choosen field. Ponder on this as you step into this weekend. Get closer to people that draw you closer to your dreams.

Do have a wonderful weekend ☺