THE LEADERSHIP LENS Newsletter <download pdf>
May 2005, © Mark Sincevich, Staash Press, LLC
A monthly resource providing insight, opinion and practical information on creativity, balance, personal leadership & perspective

Living More Each Day

I could hear my Father's voice saying, "What are the lessons of driving in a run-down neighborhood?" First make sure all of your doors are locked.   The next lesson is to be keenly aware of your surroundings.   You need to notice every detail, including the way you came, in case a fast getaway is necessary.   Avoid looking at anyone for very long or not at all, and make sure not to leave any valuables in your car.   Of course the last lesson is useless if you can't find a guarded parking lot.   I repeated these things over and over in my head as I drove north on Interstate 295 looking for my exit.

I was worried about my safety as I drove past abandoned lots with an eclectic assortment of yard art, houses that stopped wishing to be painted, and working age people hanging out on street corners holding what I hoped were lunches in brown paper bags. I had been hired to photograph a Children's Memorial Flag Day Ceremony.   I entered the school and passed through an early model metal detector manned by a security guard.   When the honor guard brought in the stars and stripes to the auditorium, I started snapping away.   I listened to teachers and dignitaries and to students that read poetry and rose to literary heights.   One turned into an instant rap star!   She motivated the entire audience with her message of 'living more each day.' The goose bumps on my arms reminded me of why I was there in the first place, to motive others through my photography.   I was now concentrating on how I was helping instead of how I could be hurt.  

Why even in the safest of neighborhoods do some people barely say hello or smile as we walk past?   In Michael Bugeja's book, "Interpersonal Divide" the search for community in a technological age , he writes, "We invite the world (through the TV and computer) into our homes and lives, but also neglect those who dwell in our homes and those who share our hometowns."   Part of the problem is our rising dependency on personal technical appliances, but I believe it has more to do with not really feeling connected to ourselves.   Technology is a frugal attempt to cover up the lack of rich interpersonal communication that has defined countless generations before us.   How many people do you know that don't feel connected to the physical world around them?   We are searching for the connection 'out there' when we need to establish a passionate connection to ourselves first.

One of the best ways to start learning about what you are passionate about is by keeping a file.   When you read an article that is really inspiring, tear it out of the magazine and put it into a file.   I started doing this many years ago with a file called "Awesome People."   It has now morphed into many sub-files, but the concept remains the same. One person's story that I put into my file was about Matel Dawson, Jr.   He loved working at Ford Motor Company and this simple factory worker was able to save over $800,000.   He gave this money to others in need in the form of college scholarships.   He may not have been wealthy, but he led a rich life.   This brings to mind a comment from National Geographic photographer and professional speaker Dewitt Jones who said, "Do what you love and the riches will follow."   If you want to have a rich life, start by studying the positive lessons of others. The more examples you have in your file, the more motivated you will be to live your life in a similar way.  

According to counselor Ernest Fitzgerald, every six months approximately 11 million people seek professional help for their unhappiness.   I am sure that the number will grow the more dependent we become on technology and the less time we spend deepening our connections to others and to ourselves.   Organizations that encourage their employees to follow their passions will find workers who are more engaged, aware and contributory.   I would rather have my organization represented by somebody who cared deeply for the mission instead of somebody who just wanted a job.

I was more than doing my job; I was taking passionate photographs in the press pool during a Senate Subcommittee hearing on appropriations when a low level alarm sounded recently on Capitol Hill.   Capitol police rushed in and helped herd everyone out of the door and onto the streets.   I was told that this was not a drill.   Immediately black SUV's with the blue flashing lights of the U.S. Secret Service zoomed through the crowd as they transported VIPs away from the Capitol.   F-16's and helicopters patrolled overhead.   I turned around and photographed thousands of people streaming down the hill towards Union Station, many passing me.   I felt lightheaded as I imagined we were under a gas attack or that a dirty bomb had exploded.   I fought back repeated tears wondering if I would ever see my family again.   In 20 minutes, we learned it was a false alarm and I called my wife to tell her that I loved her.   Doing what we love means being engaged in the world around us.   We need to learn not to lock out the world, but to let it wash over us through our smiles, our voices and our hearts.

About Mark Sincevich
Mark Sincevich works with organizations to develop leaders with more focus and creativity. He uses a unique photography angle in his speaking programs and writing. As a result of Mark's work, his customers gain a fresh perspective, generate new ideas, sharpen the focus and create more business. Mark is the chief perspective officer of his organization, Leading with Focus, the founder of Staash Press, a member of the National Speakers Association and the executive director of the Digital Photography Institute. He is frequently quoted in the media and the author of three books including, "The Leadership Lens." In between assignments, Mark can be found spending time with his family in the Washington, DC area or writing in cafés with character. He can be contacted at 301-654-3010 or www.leadingwithfocus.com .  

Order Mark's Latest Book, The Leadership Lens - key lessons from behind the camera about leading in an uncertain future, immediately available at www.staashpress.com/llens.html .