traveladventures – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Postcards From China

Posted July 30, 2018
by dougdickerson

Challenging Assumptions

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

As I write this postcard, I am in my fifth and final week here in the Guangdong province of southern China. It’s been an incredible journey – one that I will never forget.

As I reflect on my time here, I must make a confession. I came here with a lot of wrong assumptions. Of course, if we are honest, we can all look to times in our lives when we’ve made wrong assumptions about people or things. That can be good, or bad, depending upon your individual circumstances.

In my case, I am glad to say I was wrong. My preconceived views of this beautiful country and its people were not tied to the realities of everyday life I see here. It had been skewered by the lens of political and religious differences, while real, made me unnecessarily cautious.

The Chinese people are warm, hospitable, beautiful, and most willing to help a stranger. So, enjoy a few pictures of this remarkable country, and as you do, think about old assumptions that you’re holding onto. Perhaps it’s time to let them go.

Until next time,

Doug

The smiles of the children will light up your world. We need more smiles.

“I try to have as much fun as I can, and I travel around the world doing what I love”. – Red Gerard – Yep!

“The best education I have ever received is through travel”. – Lisa Ling So true!

Wherever you go, go with all your heart”. – Confucius (Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong)

“You do not travel if you are afraid of the unknown, you travel for the unknown, that reveals you with yourself”. – Ella Maillart

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Postcards From China

Posted July 15, 2018
by dougdickerson

Life Can Be A Circus

Keep the circus going on inside you, keep it going, don’t take anything too seriously, it’ll all work out in the end. – David Niven

Week three of my adventures in China is about to begin. It’s been an incredible experience so far.

After overcoming many unexpected challenges and obstacles last week, it was only fitting over the weekend for our team to drive down to Guangzhou to attend the famous Chimelong International Circus.

Chimelong International Circus.
Provided by the author.

If you ever make your way over to this part of the world, put the Chimelong International Circus on your list of things to do. It’s simply amazing and there are leadership/life lessons to be applied.

Your life in leadership can resemble a circus at times. Think about it – there are many moving parts–a ton of distractions, near disasters, a ton of thrills- all while entertaining the masses.

Sound familiar?

Regardless of what life or leadership throws at you, here are a few things worth remembering- a few lessons from the circus…

Laughter is good medicine because life is too short

Along the way, don’t forget to have some fun

Even clowns serve a purpose

When the show is spectacular no one will remember your mistakes

And yes, the show must go on!

Until next time!

Doug

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Postcards From China

Posted July 7, 2018
by dougdickerson

Greetings from Dongguan, China

You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way! – Dr. Seuss. Oh, The Places You’ll Go

I am writing to you from Dongguan, China, in the province of Guangdong, on the east coast of China – on the mainland.

I am here leading a team of teachers and students for five weeks teaching ESL classes to Chinese students. Needless to say, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How could I pass it up?

So on this blog for the next few weeks, I will be sending you these postcards to share my reflections and insights about my stay here in China. Here’s the first takeaway I’d like to leave with you.

What separates us is not nearly as important than what unites us.

What I’ve learned is that too much time is devoted to what separates us – be it our political points of view, philosophies, religious beliefs, etc… we tend to categorize people and places based upon our own prejudices. And in the process, we lose perspective.

Here I see just how small the world is – and what divides us is not as important as what unites us. We are all part of the human race.

The loving affection in a mothers eye as she holds her little girl or the father’s proud hand on the shoulder of his son is a universal language. It knows no boundaries.

I’ve been blessed to travel to many parts of the world and this is a universal observation.

Sunset over the South China Sea upon approach to Hong Kong.

The late Sam Walton once observed: “The bigger we get the smaller we have to think…” And while we need to think long, dream big, and pray hard…I hope the world and what truly matters will get smaller and become more in focus.

It’s when we realize that we have more in common we can begin to make the world a better place for everyone.

Until next time,

Doug

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