It took less than a minuteâand it just may have saved a life. At a celebratory dinner not long ago, someone at our table started to choke. Before anyone else realized what was happening, the wife of our guest of honor jumped out of her chair and rushed over. With what seemed like superhuman strength, she performed the Heimlich maneuver. After we had all gathered ourselves, she explained the story behind this story. As a kid, sheâd almost choked to death. Having endured that harrowing experience, she instinctively knew what to do ⦠even when no one else knew what to do. Sheâd vowed to use her personal experience for the direct benefit of another. Flash forward to our firmâs year-end town hall calls. I was asked what the headline should be for 2024. Without hesitation, I responded: Selflessness. For me, 2020 was all about resilience. In 2021, empathy came to the forefront. 2022, it was hope. 2023, our shared humanity. So, how will we live and lead in this new year? At times, it may be too easy to focus al [Black Korn Ferry logo JPG 400.png]() It took less than a minuteâand it just may have saved a life. At a celebratory dinner not long ago, someone at our table started to choke. Before anyone else realized what was happening, the wife of our guest of honor jumped out of her chair and rushed over. With what seemed like superhuman strength, she performed the Heimlich maneuver. After we had all gathered ourselves, she explained the story behind this story. As a kid, sheâd almost choked to death. Having endured that harrowing experience, she instinctively knew what to do ⦠even when no one else knew what to do. Sheâd vowed to use her personal experience for the direct benefit of another. Flash forward to our firmâs year-end town hall calls. I was asked what the headline should be for 2024. Without hesitation, I responded: Selflessness. For me, 2020 was all about resilience. In 2021, empathy came to the forefront. 2022, it was hope. 2023, our shared humanity. So, how will we live and lead in this new year? At times, it may be too easy to focus all our attention on whatâs wrong in whatâs right, rather than whatâs right in whatâs wrong. We live in a world in which differences appear to overshadow commonalities. Given our human nature, we may tend to criticize the systems rather than asking how we can each be the solution. What if, as we begin 2024, we think more about the progression of others around us? Their well-being, advancement, growth ⦠It's selflessâbut also symbiotic. As others flourish, so will we. We know what the opposite looks like. I can recall the scene from a few years agoâof all places along the Pacific Coast Highway. Several cars had stopped in the median. Rolling slowly past, I couldnât believe what I was seeing. There was a skunk, a plastic soda cup stuck on its head. Scampering around frantically, the skunk shook its head in a futile attempt to free itself. People looked on, unwilling to step inâmindful of what the skunk would send out. Looking back, that scene strikes me as emblematic of what happens when people wander around alone, not knowing which end is upâand which way is forward. Leadership is measured in the success of others. Easy to intellectualize, but elusive to actualize, leadership is one part strategy, two parts judgment, three parts finesseâand four parts enabling others to achieve. Perhaps our resolution for the new year could be committing to the concept of We-dership, in which there is more We, Us, and Ourâand less I, me, and my. Look up, look out, look forward ⦠May 2024 bring out our better selves that shine a light forâand onâothers. Weâre pleased to launch a new book from Korn Ferry, [Take Control]() â and itâs all about getting ahead and advancing careers. This latest book follows [The Five Graces of Life and Leadership](), offering imagery, emotions, and insights that capture the human side of leadership. Both books are now available. Regards, Gary Burnison
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