Leadership

We Have Met the Enemy

By Ron Pereira Updated on July 21st, 2014

pogo1My 7-year-old son and I were recently driving together in the car.

My son isn’t normally a big talker (his sisters more than make up for it… ha!) so we were engaged in some small talk while listening to the radio.

Then, out of the blue, my son says to me, “I wish I was more like Nick.”  Nick is his good friend.  I asked why this was.

He then explained how Nick and his sisters never seem to fight or argue.  And, my son went on, it just seems like they have a much happier life than he and his sisters do.

I quickly explained that, first of all, I’m quite sure Nick and his sisters have their share of tussles.  I also explained that we really shouldn’t compare our lives to others or covet what others have.

The Enemy

After a few moments of silence I decided to share Walt Kelly’s famous quote, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Not, to be accurate, Kelly first used this quote to encourage others to treat the environment better… and to realize that change begins with each person.

But, I couldn’t help but realize how incredibly relevant the quote was to the situation my son was describing.  So he and I talked about what it meant and how my son plays a major role in the happiness and harmony of our family.

So, when we got home, I decided to call a family meeting.  We talked about Mr. Kelly’s quote and once I explained what it meant to all my children my wife and I asked each of them if they thought they had opportunity for improvement as it pertains to interacting with one another.

With some grins and chuckles all agreed that, yes, they could each improve.  Each of them could be more kind.  Each could be more obedient.  Each, in short, could be better boys and girls.

My wife and I quickly reminded our children that Mommy and Daddy are far from perfect and that we can also improve.

So, the meeting wrapped up with all of us committing to be more kind and loving to one another.

What About Us?

After the meeting I realized that this quote also pertains to each and every person that practices continuous improvement.

You see, chances are excellent we will meet resistance to change along the way.  We’ll also, no doubt, become frustrated with others who we don’t feel support us like they should.

But, in end, I firmly believe the way we react to these situations will ultimately decide our fate as it pertains to long term lean thinking success.

Put another way, if we only see the flaws in others without understanding how we must also change, adapt, and constantly improve ourselves… failure is almost certain.

So, yes, we have indeed met the enemy.  And he/she is us.

Do you agree?

 


  1. Ariana Jones

    July 21, 2014 - 2:13 pm
    Reply

    Oh yes, yes, yes I agree! We can all do better at home and work and I intend to share this story with my family and co-workers. Thank you!

    • Ron Pereira

      July 23, 2014 - 7:49 am

      Thank you for the comment, Ariana!

  2. Joey Thomas

    July 22, 2014 - 1:53 pm
    Reply

    I do agree with this. Its far easier to blame others for hard times even though we more than likely have many issues ourselves

  3. Jeremy Garner

    July 22, 2014 - 3:58 pm
    Reply

    Ron,

    I love this subject! Envy is a thief. It robs us of the good things that we have right in front of us. It is has been important to me as a father to teach my children gratitude. This is the best cure for envy. Envy often presupposes that I deserve something of which I am being deprived. Gratitude views everything as a gift. If everyday, opportunity and kindess that we receive were viewed this way, how much would this raise our level of joy?

    Taking the high road, whether in matters of the heart or improving my work usually begins by taking the way of humility. Being humble isn’t always easy but allowing pride to drive instead will get you into a much more difficult predictament before you know. Pride is blind. It cannot see the apparent blessings in view nor the opportunity to improve. Thanks for the inspiration!

    • Ron Pereira

      July 23, 2014 - 7:50 am

      Thank you for these incredible words of wisdom, Jeremy. I really appreciate you!

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