Working from a Place of Calm & Conviction

By Susan D. Rostkoski, Principal Consultant

Life only demands from you the strength you already possess. Only one feat is possible--not to have run away. --Dag Hammarskjold

  Never accept what can be gained by giving in. You will be living off stolen goods, and your muscles will atrophy. --Dag Hammarskjold

Dag Hammarskjold was a Swedish economist and diplomat who served as the second Secretary-General of the United Nations from April 1953 until his death in a plane crash in September 1961. While serving in his post as the world's top international civil servant, Hammarskjöld restructured the UN to make it more effective, created the basis for UN peacekeeping operations, and successfully implemented his “preventive diplomacy” in crises from the Middle East to China. His efforts to resolve various global crises led to him being the only posthumous recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.  

At the same time, this very wise, perceptive, and engaged person approached his work from a center of calm and conviction. He was known to spend time regularly meditating, writing poetry, and engaging in nature. 

So, what does this mid-twentieth century person have to say to us in 2024? Plenty, I’d argue: 

a.     Team building was a priority. He attempted to establish a good rapport with his staff, visiting every UN department regularly to shake hands with as many people as possible and, most importantly, to listen.

b.     He believed in the future (that the UN was trying to create), not just as a far-off dream but a reality toward which progress could be made, even in small steps, now.

c.      His approach to his work focused heavily on “preventive diplomacy.” He dealt not only with the crisis of the moment, of which there was a never-ending number, but attempted to anticipate those that could be prevented or ameliorated.

 How can we adopt Hammarskjold’s personal truths and philosophies into our lives and our daily work? How might they inspire some conversation, deepen our relationships, and strengthen our convictions?  

Here is one last quote from Hammarskjold that is critical for facing today’s many challenges: 

The more faithfully you listen to the voices within you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside.

 As always, please contact us with any questions you may have, or if we can help you accomplish your mission (www.strategic-cc.com).