When I was young and immortal, the closest I got to caring about politics was watching Chevy Chase play Gerry Ford falling off a stage. Politics was just a Saturday Night Live hoot.
We lived our lives and let the politicians live theirs, knowing if the chips were down, them authorities would prolly do the right thing.
Fast forward…
The last 22 months have offered an object lesson in the many ways we define authority. This lesson, though hidden, provides crystal clarity about where your authority comes from and how it can make you a trusted advisor.
Looking at this, like everyone else, I found strong opinions coming up about current events. They aren’t the point. But they are clues to what IS the point.
So, let’s try and decode this secret message, in the only way I know how.
38 replies to "Authority Then and Now"
Thanks Steve! This is just what I needed to wake up to!
You bet. See my comment to Jeremy. It applies to you!
Wow! If you were running for office Steve, you’d get my vote (vote early, vote often).
I’m reading a book about recovery from illness at the moment. Here’s the closing paragraph:
‘Take care over who you listen to, because ideas and expectations are as powerful as drugs and poisons. Human beings understand the world through stories: not all will have a happy ending, but each of us has a hand in writing part of our own.’
Taking care over who we listen to is such a compelling idea, particularly in a world where we are constantly bombarded with ideas, images and video, some of which is meant to confuse and harm us. Taking back control of our lives requires insight, effort and the guiding hand of like minded people. There’s a business to be made of that!
It’s the business you’re in, Jeremy; being a trusted advisor.
It seems you have backup for that idea in this author. Plus, your videos do demonstrate that.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Steve for speaking up the truth in such a kind way. You made my day! Cécile 🙂
And you, mine. 🙂
A superb message perfectly amplified by the supportive images you deftly deploy in this masterful video. Thank you for both the global points and the prompt for each of us to examine our communication processes to reach more significant goals.
Much obliged, Rich! Glad you found it helpful.
What a beautiful video, Steve! The choice of B-Roll, of the music, the very well written script, the seamless transitions and their durations—all worked SO WELL together to enhance your very inspirational message. Our Inner Circle session this week was very illuminating but any concerns you had about straying from your “realm of credibility” were for nought: your message in this wonderful video was pure joy to see and feel, to experience! This video is a PRIME example of how a sensational videographer (i.e., writer, director, video and audio editor, presenter, etc.) can enhance and amplify such an important message as yours is. The world is indeed rising and you have inspired me over these past 2 years more than you may ever know. Thank you, sir.
Thank you for the kind words, Jay. This is why I believe video can be so powerful. It lets you approach something like “meaning” in so many ways. No one has to be left out. 🙂
You’re so right, Steve: No one need be left out. Together we create more goodwill. It is not a limited resource, like fossil fuels. It can be created again and again. I wish more of us understood that when we help each other rise, we create more for everyone. Speak to you soon.
Thank you, Steve.
You’re so welcome, Stephen.
Excellent video, excellent timing Steve.
Elegant Genius in perception and vision.
John Tedmon
You can do this, John. This is the point. 🙂
Beautiful! Thank you!
Now imagine what you could do. We’re still a few voices short. 🙂
Excellent! Wisdom reminds me that people suffer and groan when evil men seize power but rejoice when good men (and women) rise to lead. Thank you for the encouragement Mr Washer!
Most welcome. Perhaps you’re finding your voice even now.
Fantastic message and superb example. I love having my brain Washered!
I want to say we have an ointment for that at the storefront, but thank you for the sentiment and know that you can do the same.
Your message goes straight to the heart
And though my video making is a super slow process your inspiring messages keep me going
Thank you
It’s not the speed that counts when you’re starting, but I hope you have a little more of a reason to get in gear.
I love your optimism, Steve. In my most visionary moments I’m right there beside you, seeing this new world coming.
I’d love to share that beer with you at the top. It’ll be a short rest before starting the climb to the next hill.
Ain’t it the truth?
I’ve used my inner character as my test person. Watched and seen how I was intrigued by one of your videos ( green screen) followed your instruction, watched for the next, was moved to subscribe, and now wait for your every word.
I can do this I say to myself. Do you have advise on the best way to set up a successful Chanel?
Thank you for the kind words!
By “channel” (I assume) do you mean YouTube, website or something else? There are a few important things; far fewer than you may think. Consistency, a desire to help, an inner knowing about something you own, and a determination to show up as fully you.
You CAN do this, though you might want to cut down a smidge on talking to yourself.
Steve,
Where did you get that background? I am digging it!
At storyblocks.com. As all the rest of the clips in that video. They don’t pay me to say that. 🙂
Truly inspirational, Steve!
Let’s change the freakin world!!
This is one of my favorite videos of yours, and it deserves all of the engagement you’re getting!
Sometimes going through those 3569 unopened emails brings you to something waiting, just waiting for you to open to bless you. It just happened. Thanks for a great message.
As an ‘outsider’ to the US (I live in Sydney), I watch the demise of politics globally, the attempts to control us even more, career politicians (dys)functioning supposedly in our interests, the rise of totalitarianism (the lockdown in Melbourne were the worst in the western world and the damage to school kids is still reverberating), so to watch your inspirational video is … well .. inspirational!
Thank you for all that you do, not only in the realm of Visible Authority, but also in the way you conduct yourself as a Professional Human Being
Thank you, John! It does seem so odd that they still want everyone to worship ideas that have hurt so many.
So I just wanted to acknowledge the reminder that the universe sent us today. Why worry when heaven itself is leading the way?
Way cool, Steven! I like your way of thinking. Reminds me a bit of Werner Erhard. You may remember him. He started the est training back in the 70’s. I did a lot of work with him, both internally (my mind) and externally (shooting video for him for in-house training).
I think I do remember him. If I recall, John Denver was a devotee and wrote a very nice song that I always felt was inspired by that experience, called “Welcome to My Morning”. Anyway, very cool that you worked with Mr. Erhard. Hope you were allowed to take bathroom breaks!
On my computer screen I have pasted this quote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” It’s time to blossom.
You tell ’em, Ron! That’s a good message for a leader.