Over the summer, I read An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West by Konstantin Kisin. He is a Russian-British comedian and commentator who also co-hosts the TRIGGERnometry podcast.
His book sheds light on a troubling trend: the West’s fixation on self-loathing and criticism. How it focuses on divisions, guilt and historical wrongs, rather than the values that unite us.
Having escaped the authoritarian Soviet regime of the 1990s, Kisin is deeply concerned about why we fail to balance acknowledging our flaws, along with celebrating our freedoms, achievements, and the capacity for self-correction.
His ‘Love Letter to the West’ is really a rallying call for anyone who’s lost sight of what freedom, liberty and opportunity really mean. Kisin conveys how these principles are rare in history, and how they remain a profound advantage.
While the West is imperfect and requires plenty of work for improvement, he reminds us that it is built on the extraordinary foundations of liberty, freedom, democracy and opportunity - principles that remain a profound advantage in history.
Only by embracing gratitude as a mindset, can we rise above this trend of having a cynical worldview of the West - and indeed, ourselves!
What struck me was how closely his insights applied and resonated deeply with the modern workplace. Here, cynicism and criticism are often the default mindset.
Beyond the Workplace Cynicism Trend
If you’re like me, then you may have noticed that, fuelled by social media, articles and everyday dialogue, many of us are quick to criticise our bosses, colleagues or organisations. We fixate on what’s wrong and indulge in a kind of collective self-loathing about our workplaces.
However, while difficult, toxic, narcissistic leaders and co-workers exist, they do remain the exception. Most workplaces are filled with people of goodwill, striving to do their best.
Furthermore, like Western traditions, most workplaces are built on robust foundations - trust, collaboration, fairness and innovation.
By focusing on what’s working well, we unlock the potential that enables workplaces, teams and individuals to thrive.
Why not flip the script and rebel against the trend of negativity? Write a ‘love letter’ to your workplace, or even your boss?
Here you recognise their strengths and all the amazing opportunities that the workplace provides, for both professional and personal growth.
We can only do this though, if we’re prepared to let go of having an ‘entitled’ mindset.
From Entitlement to Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about shifting perspective.
Instead of fault-finding, gratitude builds on what’s already good. It fosters resilience, accountability and action.
Entitlement narrows our focus to what we think we’re owed, while gratitude expands it: inspiring solution, possibilities and growth whilst fostering appreciation for progress.
Gratitude is in fact… an act of rebellion!
It defies the cultural tide of cynicism and negativity, challenging us to see what’s good, not just what’s flawed.
As Kisin says,
By choosing gratitude, we break free from negativity, reclaiming the power to foster meaningful and lasting positive change.
Wishing you a wonderful week while you rewrite your script and create your own love letter to your workplace - or maybe even your boss!
Richard Dore
Co-CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership
Transforming Relationships Within The Workplace
Some of the toughest roles for modern day leaders is dealing with the ‘difficult people’ situations at work and navigating challenging conversations with their peers and bosses.
Leaders are now expected to meet their targets, engage staff, give regular positive feedback, build great relationships and coach their people to create a high-performance culture.
But leaders are also required to address poor performance and inappropriate behaviours quickly and effectively. All within an environment where people know their rights and expect fair and reasonable treatment.
The good news is that Having Conversations That Matter will create better leaders, build workplace resilience, transform relationships and create clear economic consequences for the organisation.
Half-Day Virtual Workshop: 20 February
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