10 minute read
TEAMWORK
the individUals of sUperior disContent
red holZman
By Mr GRAHAM CORNELISSEN , RT Jukskei 217, Southern Africa
IN 2010, I WATCHED GERMANY PLAY SPAIN in the Fifa World cup semifinal in Durban. Late in the second half, Carlos Puyol scored a goal from a corner, which led to Germany being eliminated. Yvette was happy; I was disappointed as we supported the different teams.
The following morning, we drove past the stadium, and I was amazed by what I saw. After being eliminated no more than 12 hours ago from the biggest trophy in sports, the German team was on the field practising defensive corners. I was stunned. How much the loss must have hurt exceeds my capacity to understand, yet they were there and working on the field. For a long time, I did not understand what force was able to fuel this type of behaviour.
Throughout the years, you will see this every now and then when you know what to look for. Famously, the Springbok rugby team demonstrated this in the 2019
Rugby World Cup. The term used by the coach to describe this drive was "superior discontent" and is defined as a refusal to be defeated, a refusal to settle for second best and a need to continuously improve.
I have learnt that the performance of any team is determined by the following three factors:
The quality of the leader;
The performance that the leader accepts; and
Those guys on the team who are exceptional and who will deliver excellent work, no matter what.
Over time, most team members will contribute to the team more and less at other times. These contributions are influenced by internal and external factors to the team. Where a team has individuals with an attitude of Superior Discontent, the team's overall performance is lifted considerably.
Identifying these team members is easy. These individuals do not settle for good enough, but always strive to do better. These individuals might achieve success, but then always focus on improving themselves and the team. These individuals never give up and never accept mediocrity in themselves. People who do not understand their drive can be seen as perfectionists or the guys taking things too seriously.
What to do if you have one of these on your team? Protect them like diamonds, for these guys will either carry the team on their shoulders or change it for the better.
THE POWER OF CONTINOUS GIVING
THE POWER OF CONTINOUS GIVING
By Mr PAUL DIPPENAAR, Round Table International CSO
Over the years, this proved to be a highly debated topic. In this article, I'll focus on various aspects of Continuous Giving. Whether it's time, money, or attention. We all have something to give and crave the feeling of being part of the greater good. I'll also focus on different views and outlooks, from wisdom to mythology to science.
IN ONE OF HIS BOOKS, Azim Jamal said:" The power of giving is instantaneous and continuous and that the benefit both for the giver and the receiver is eternal and longlasting."
This way of living has been adopted by numerous religious institutions, various service organizations, and billions of people worldwide. Round
Table was one of these organizations that strive to leave today's world in a better state than we found it yesterday. Continuous giving is an essential part of what we as Tablers are all about.
During my research, it was evident that there are different sides to this very controversial topic. I will focus on both the emotional side of giving and the scientific side.
THE HABIT OF GIVING normally goes hand in hand with self-improvement. The focus is upon ourselves and what we can do to improve ourselves. How I can improve to be a better version of myself. Whilst various factors determine how we grow as humans, it is scientifically proven that giving something to someone else boosts your motivation to become a better you. Improving yourself is an age-old concept where humans chase the idea of being a better person. But on what ground do we define someone as being good or bad? Is being kind to a stranger enough to call yourself a good person? What about going out of your way to assist and do something for someone. Recent studies conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that giving your time, attention, and care to other people who need it without expecting anything in return improved ourselves in unique and powerful ways. DURING MY RESEARCH, I've discovered why selfimprovement is not about us as individuals but all about the person we are trying to help. This could easily be broken down into some sub-sections.
THE POWER OF GIVING
This book will inspire you. You’ll realize the best way to find happiness is to give happiness. You’ll discover the more you give, the more you have. You’ll see that giving can make our world a more peaceful, harmonious and productive place. The Power of Giving shows that each of us has many gifts to share time, love, kindness, even if you don t have money. You’ll find where your own giving can have the greatest impact.
CHRISTY'S LUNCHBOX
"Someone was packing a shipment of food donated by a school aimed at less fortunate people. After separating all the different products by category he reached into a box filled with various cans, he pulled out a little paper bag. All pupils received a list of products that is needed. But when the man looked into a paper bag out came a peanut butter sandwich, an apple, and a cookie. Crayoned in large letters was a little girl’s name, ’Christy -- Room 104’. She had given up her lunch for some hungry person." One little lunch made a difference to someone in need. One little lunch touched lives.
WHAT MAKES US WANT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE?
Most of us watch the news and read newspapers about a distant war. Or we talk to a friend about a terminally ill person on our street. This leaves us with a feeling of empathy. Sometimes this feeling grows so strong that it makes us sick. But what drives us to stand up and do something?
The urge to self-improve and the craving for that "feel good" sensation. To achieve a sense of peace and contentment and a sense of control over the outcomes of life. We will keep on pushing as we desire the status of being good by heart. This was also very well portrayed by the RTI Project 30 Acts of kindness. How many did you get, and how amazing did it feel?
THE POWER OF HUMAN CONNECTION!
As tablers, we are used to doing "Good" or contributing to the "greater good". But this can be divided into different types of goods. On the one side, we have the abstract version of the greater good like the Global blood drive, waste challenge, and education
IT'S GOOD FOR YOU
The health benefits associated with giving include:
Lower blood pressure Increased self-esteem Less depression Lower stress levels Longer life and Greater happiness, joy Greater gratitude Greater compassion
station, where we contributed as individuals leaving the world in a better state for generations to come. It does make us feel better about ourselves contributing to humanity.
The second type is the one that touches your nerves. This is when we help an individual on a personal level. RTI projects like Movember, Poverty Purge, and Tabler 4 Tabler will focus more on this. Suddenly we are filled with a sense of strength and accomplishment. We feel powerful, indestructible, and the ones that created change in the lives of others. We enjoy sharing the feelings and emotions of our beneficiaries and reap happiness as a reward for the outcome. This propels our confidence and proves that we can change the world one person at a time. It is precisely that feeling of warmth fuelled by the empathy that gives us the power to do great things.
GENEROSITY AND SUCCESS!
As mentioned earlier, recent studies conducted by the University of Pennsylvania showed that generosity can lead to success in the workplace. A broad spectrum of research showed that belonging to a charity or even just supporting one creates the urge to help more and more people, yet again leaving the world in a better state. During the same study, indisputable evidence was revealed that contributing to charities improved the condition of your Mental Health. In an astonishing finding, the Charities Aid Foundation published in 2014 that 80% of people who partake in a global study have done or participated directly or indirectly in a charitable act.
AS WE SEE CHANGE, we grow optimistic, focused, and confident. Eighty per cent of the people who partake in the study indicated that they would most likely do it again and would like to inspire others to join them and do so. This is where we want to be, and we have just created a monumental movement. DURING OUR TIME as tablers, we will face many obstacles when contacting potential sponsors or just trying to give back. Sometimes we face the question of who should give, and then ultimately, why don't some people give? The fact remains that ANYONE CAN GIVE!! Some people might think that only wealthy people should give to charity. It is also important to realize that giving from your heart is a desire every human being possesses, irrespective of their financial standing. Giving unconditionally is what makes it so special. It means whether it is giving through service or gesture or a material gift or even money. As long as the giver expects nothing in return.
We, as Tablers, have the Power and The Gift of Continuous giving: Use it!!!
groomed or doomed
daymond John
By Mr PAUL HOEKSEMA RT 32, Southern Africa
As a young man's organisation, this quote rings true in all aspects of our lives. From closing the deal, date night with the missus, to a Table social with the boys, a well-groomed man not only commands admiration, but he also most certainly exudes confidence. Before our venture as Tablers, most of us would have been in the public eye a lot less than now - of course, a comprehensive grooming ritual should have self-care as the main objective, but it doesn't hurt to stand out in the crowd as a gentleman that knows what the word dapper means. To help you on your grooming journey, here are some handpicked tips to make you shine brighter than your Chairman's Jewel:
1
SKINCARE ADDS FLAIR
As well as looking good, a basic skincare routine is beneficial for men of all ages. Before using any other products, cleanse/wash your face twice a day, this will remove dirt, grime, and excess oil that has settled inside your pores and on your skin. A face-specific wash should be your go-to product here. Next up, exfoliate (at least twice weekly), exfoliation allows for healthier skin cells to live on the surface of the skin. Choose a gentle face scrub, you don't want your face to look like a strawberry at your next Club meeting. Finally, moisturise twice a day. Hydrating your skin adds refreshing vitamins and nutrients back into your skin as well as protecting it. The best times to use a moisturiser would be in the morning and evening after cleansing your skin. Following a 3-tier skincare regime will get you looking as fresh as a young Louis Marchesi. As a bonus tip, use sunscreen daily. A safe bet would be SPF 30. Protecting your skin against harmful rays will prolong the effects of aging.
2
KNOW YOUR BARBER BY NAME
A fresh cut not only means shaping a mane that would get a chuckle from a local herd of sheep, but the right hairstyle can also shave (pun intended) off years, and it should be an integral part of your grooming regime. Ask your chosen barber for advice on a hairstyle that fits you. Depending on the growth of your hair, a trim/cut could be anything from three to four weeks or a month. If you notice your hair needs a cut, chances are others have noticed too. Remember to add trimming your eyebrows and removing that unwanted nose and ear hair to your to-do barber visit.
