Keith Harrell author of “The Attitude of Leadership” asks “What are your beliefs in leadership? What are the origins of leadership? Almost every culture has a collection of wise sayings that offer advice about how to live your life. Early childhood experiences which include interactions with other children within our own home, community, environment, and lack thereof often validated those things taught to us by our guardians. Proverbs and adages were often taught by families as tools that were to teach of morality and improve understanding of broad .It is important to look back at various things we were told as children, and how it shaped our worldly development. Did these adages provide the foundation for leadership, cultural sustainability, and social equality? The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) is a collective body for the support of retaining intangible cultural language. UNESCO highlights that “Oral traditions and expressions are used to pass on knowledge, cultural and social values and collective memory. They play a crucial part in keeping cultures alive.”
Prior to the inductions of public schools, oral education was how information was transferred to help educate the population. Adages and proverbs which are colloquial sayings that have meanings shared orally to convey meanings. The Bible is a popular manuscript whose collections are oral stories past down from generations prior to becoming in print. It is often revered as a “guide book” to understanding life. Our own understanding of life’s meaning might be traced back to the stories we were told growing up, that included “Little Red Riding Hood” which taught us to “Never to talk strangers”. Our current society is a conglomerate of various cultures that have long been lost. Several proverbs or folk sayings have been misinterpreted as one’s own. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie touched on the concern in her TED Talk regarding “The danger of a single story” and the importance of sharing multiple world views to creating equality and understanding. North American publishing company, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill addresses the common misconceptions between the meanings of adages and proverbs. They define a proverb as a statement of practical wisdom expressed in a simple way. An adage is an old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth. Some of our beliefs are culturally relevant and instilled through practice.
Let’s revisit some of our own cultural heritage. I have collected various adages that have been professed from various cultures from individuals within the Saint Louis metropolitan and rural areas, from individuals in different socioeconomic backgrounds who have expressed familiarity with some of these proverbs.
1. “Practice makes Perfect”
Growing up, this “motto” was instilled in my household. It has echoed itself in every part of my development. I feel that each time it’s relevance have been helpful in persevering, and not being afraid of taking chances. Childhood Interpretation: “Can’t Watch Television until homework is completed.” Teenage Interpretation: Can’t pass driver’s education without getting behind the wheel, and learning how to drive a car. Adult Interpretation: Repetition builds muscle and motor memory. Reflexes often equated with the expression that multiple repetitions for a particular skill. My brother in law, JW is contractor who completed apprenticeship prior to becoming a union worker. He stated that he had to engage in endless series of practice until he was sufficient to do work himself. He stated that skills taught to him at a young age was helpful. “My Dad really enforced doing something until you did it right.”
2. “The Early bird catches the worm”
Following an probation hearing, I asked Court Marshall to recall the times when heheard this adage. He stated that “it still rings true today, especially for my line of work.” He stated that sometimes that he has to get out of bed early to get a jump on criminal activity. “That’s how I stay on top of these fools.” His response was quite blunt, but very telling.Additionally, I asked a female consumer K.B. regarding her understanding of the meaning in which she stated “If I get to the food pantry early, I will more than likely get better pick of the food.” I questioned both individuals on where they were told these things, and both agreed that “it’s something that I heard growing up.”
3. “A Hard head makes a soft behind”
I was taught this adage from my own household which was often communicated from various relatives, and some teachers specifically those who were African American. Some of my other friends looked at confusion when I brought this up. One friend who was also African-American stated that ‘I know exactly what that means. It means that “if you don’t listen to your parents, you would likely get whooped”. I felt that this adage was appropriate in teaching me to “honor my mother and father”, or to simply “respect authority”. One of my colleagues who lived in St. Louis City area shared that he often heard this adage even though his family wasn’t black. He stated that “we heard that a lot in school, and from my parents.” I quickly deduced that some adages are primarily influenced not just by culture but geographical.
4. “Fat Meat is Greasy”
In gauging various individuals in the Saint Louis and neighboring county areas, this adage is widely regarded as an African American saying. I questioned various friends from different backgrounds and was amazed to determine that its meaning is closely to the above idiom. “Learning the hard way”. I believe that it should be listed due to its clear message that “practice makes perfect”. However, I also question this adage as I am one to question everything that was taught to me. Sometimes it is better to learn from your own experience rather than what “someone else tells you.”
5. “Two heads are better than One”
Upon completion of CPR Training, I spoke with several St. Louis County paramedics regarding various adages, and how it might subconsciously instill leadership values. One individual shared the importance of “working together as a team” in fire and safety rescue. “We rely on support due to the physical drain that occurs from trying to save a life.” My interpretation of this adage is understanding that sometimes, we can’t do it on our own.
6. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"
Observing the list, you find that some adages often incorporate multiple adages. I was met with various criticisms from others when I shared this adage. Several individuals claimed that this was “from the Bible”. Upon investigating this online, It affirmed my suspicions of the origins of this proverb. It is regarded as a Ancient Chinese proverb. I specifically shared this quote with my peers during psycho-social staffing. I used this proverb to convey as responsibility among the social workers to the difference from enabling and empowering mentally-ill population. One colleague stated, “What if they cannot learn it?” “ I retorted that “practice makes perfect”. Besides, “Two heads are better than one.” The premise of the proverb illustrates the importance of being open to learning, and then applying the skill. Applying what we are taught is a never ending plight of students of all ages.
7. See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil
This principle is fostered in Bill Baker’s Group dynamics Norms of Collaboration. Baker address in group interactions seven principles. In my opinion, it can be perfectly summarized from the above quote.
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It is short, and sweet, and illustrates that ‘There is a time to speak, hear, and see, but in doing so, make sure that your motives and intentions are positive. That’s my interpretation of the quote. For example, “1. Pausing (Speak) 2. Paraphrasing(Hear & Speak)
8. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”.
Known universally as “The Golden Rule”, this principle claims it’s origins in various religious, and spiritual ideals. LS, a Licensed Practicing Nurse shared that nursing school was a daunting experience, but she felt that “I had the tools necessary to prepare me through it.” instilled that our error would yield life or death consequences. She added that “It taught me to treat everyone that I meant deserved to be treated like they were dear to me.” I felt it necessary to add this adage due to it’s saturation into our everyday practices that it’s often neglected. Unconditional positive regard is one of the standard ethics of counseling and psychotherapy introduced by Carl Rogers. In my previous blog, I shared an experience in servicing an individual with a criminal background who had committed a heinous crime. I reinforced this belief by sharing that as his therapist, it was my role to ensure that he felt that he would be treated fairly without judgment.
9. “Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”
I feel that this Native American proverb can be interpreted in a variety of ways, while its authorial intent remaining the same. Despair can be a debilitating tool, and the optimistic outlook will always prevail in moving forward. When asking individuals about their greatest accomplishments, people are able to recite limited numbers in comparison to their failures.
10. Nothing ventured, nothing gained
If there was a top 3 proverb that has always inspired me, this would be it. I have always prided myself by taking risks. I have felt that my ability to delve into things head first can be sometimes “unconventional” and “risky”, but it was at my behest to try something rather than wait to ear to creep into it. Following my third year at my undergraduate studies, I entertained the idea of finishing up my last corresponding year at another university two states away from my friends and family. I would repeat this feat 5 years later when I would venture to Vermont for the sake of pursing a Masters in counseling. Despite circumstances out of my control, I would leave mid-semester and return to St. Louis, Missouri. I felt accomplished in my ability to step outside my own comfort and enter variety of different settings while projecting a congruent and respectable demeanor. I became more confident in learning who I was without the dependence of others. I felt that I had all the skills necessary to succeed in becoming a leader. The following adage echoed my belief in myself. I hope that it resonates in you as well.
So I ask you. What life lessons did any of these proverbs or adages teach you?
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