Magnificence in Life

By assisting our clients to know their true selves, we help deepen their capacity to recognize and live lives marked by authentic greatness, by what Aristotle termed "magnificence."  Magnificence is not a new buzz word or a momentary fad; it is a foundational concept in many of the great philosophical and spiritual traditions of the world. 

These traditions propose a vision of the person and of the magnificence associated with being a person that can be synthesized into the following seven insights:

1. Each person is a gift and has gifts. My very life has been given to me as a gift.  The person that I am has an irreplaceable quality, a dignity and a preciousness that others should recognize and respect at all times. I should never be seen as just another face in a crowd.
2. I am to be a steward of the gift I am and the gifts I have.   My stewardship extends to others as well.  I am called to help others realize the gift that they are and the gifts they have.
3. I will live a fulfilling life when I stive to be a gift to others.  At the same time, no one has a right to use me as a means to their end; to do so is to betray the gift-quality that is intrinsic to my self as a person. 
4. All I say and do has the potential to express who I am.  I live a magnificent life when my actions are congruent my highest ideals and respect the gift-quality of others. 
5. The perennial temptation facing individuals and societies is to settle for an understanding of human greatness measured in externally measurable ways (i.e. greatness understood in terms of power or position, wealth or possessions, and fame or recognition). These external forms of greatness are not achievable by all and can never authentically fulfill the depths of the human heart. 
6. Magnificence is within my reach and the reach of all persons, no matter their circumstances. In addition, the authentic greatness available to me is beyond the grasp of any who would attempt to thwart my efforts to live a magnificent life.
7. The path to a magnificent life requires intentional and persevering efforts from me. Eventually (but not at first!), I will be able to make decisions rooted in this vision of myself and others quickly, easily and joyfully.

Magnficence in Leadership

As a leader, I am in a privileged position not only to realize the greatness within me but also to set free the authentic greatness of those I lead. 

When I know from deep personal experience the unrepeatable and precious gift that my own "self" is, I will also come to recognize the gift-quality of every other person I meet, whether at home or at work, whether a subordinate, colleague or supervisor.  Magnificent Leaders strive to be a gift to those working with them and under their leadership.

From PRACTICES to PRINCIPLES to the PERSON

In a society that emphasizes productivity and practicality, our approach might sound impractical and ethereal.  In reality, it is becoming increasingly clear that "best practices" must be rooted not only in principles but in the depths of the person who employs them.  Tactics, strategies and techniques will always be necessary, but without authenticity and integrity they will often lead to unsatisfactory results.

From VALUE to VALUES to the VALUABLE

Recent research into successful companies has shown that the VALUE of a company is often significantly impacted not only by the choosing authentic VALUES but in learning how to see and respond well to that which is truly VALUABLE, the people with whom I work.

One final thought...and an invitation

We encourage you to listen to the testimonials of those who have been served by the MILL Institute.  They are our best witnesses to the power of what we propose. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.  We would consider it a privilege to serve you.