Leadership as an Agency of Assistance and Easement, Part One
Leadership as an Agency of Assistance and Easement, Part One

Aviv Shahar with Theodora Papanastasatou, Perry Martin, Jane Goodman, and Liz Halter

December 31, 2021
leadership of self
In this exchange we are exploring the wide arena of leadership and reaching out to sense its emergent nature in our lives at this time. We each are experiencing, though in varied ways and perceptions, the changes occurring in the world and in ourselves. We sense that leadership is not something out there, but rather it is right here in how we choose to live every day in the various circumstances and roles we operate in.

We are not inviting you to a certain method or methodology of leadership, but rather into the bigger inquiry of how we can each individually and collectively lead a life of meaning and purpose, a life of learning and development, and growth.

As we explore how we humans are finding ourselves in these times of change, a useful metaphor is the idea updating our

internal operating system. This frame of reference proposes that certain elements of our humanity carried us through the ages and that are still essential going forward, but are being revitalized in a whole new way through the new operating system emerging at this time of crisis, discovery, and change.
Our fingerprints are unique; the iris in our eyes is unique; therefore, each one is allowed and should be permitted to find their uniqueness to be able to locate, understand, learn, know who they are, and what they can offer from themselves that is completely their own. It is a contribution to the whole of their community, their country, and their time. I think this is a part of the quest of many young people today who are meeting to ask, "Who am I, and what can I do?" Not because someone tells me to, but because it's my human right to explore it in my own way.
Theodora Papanastasatou

Jane Goodman

Jane Goodman

From the time of childhood I've been driven to understand how the human was meant to be.

This has guided me in knowing how to interact in this world. The inroads I continue to explore are through the sciences of behaviors and ways of giving service to others, which  build filaments of qualities that nourish the tree of humanity rooted in the purpose of life.

Some of the branches that have been nurtured are community, leadership and meaningful communication.

Perry Martin

Perry Martin

The theme of being a representative of the hopes and dreams of those lives whom have gone before became a constant companion to me, as it became clear that I may be unique in all the world, but never would my life be alone. We are dependent on each other as a humanity

This taught me a very deep lesson: a human's life is not to be lived for only one purpose, but can fulfill many purposes. And ever-refining new purpose can reveal itself - if one is open. We, after all, are a multi-faceted assembly of many lives.

Liz Halter

Liz Halter

I have always loved being outdoors in nature, in gardens, feeling the wonder looking up at the stars. This came hand in hand with a close affinity to the Native Americans and their respect and honor for the planet and nature, the elements and the seasons.

Another level of this passion has been a lifelong quest to find the way of the natural human.  I found that there is a tendency to want to go back to the earth, or to the ways of the ancients. While there is certainly wisdom to be carried forward, it isn’t really possible to go back, and it isn’t really the answer.

We need new ways for new times and I believe we as humans are equipped to discover the ways that will allow us to live authentically, in harmony, with purpose and hope in today’s world.

Aviv Shahar

Aviv Shahar

Aviv is the Founder of Aviv Consulting, helping leaders unleash strategic innovation, and is the author of Create New Futures: How Leaders Produce Breakthroughs and Transform the World Through Conversation.