RLF Reflection: Moving Pebbles Instead of Mountains

On January 7th, 2022 Sasha Kokoshinskiy gave a presentation on the importance of focusing on small acts of kindness and leadership and how these are just as important, if not more important, than monumental efforts.

Using the ideologies and beliefs of author Drew Dudley, Sasha argued that we tend to prioritize acts of leadership that are revolutionary, life-altering, or having an impact that we think has to be bigger than life itself that we lose sight of leadership from a holistic standpoint. Sasha complemented this idea and also added that we spend time focusing on things that only a few can achieve that we start to devalue things that we can do every day and highlighted that small actions constitute our true value as leaders.

Sasha's most impactful statement is the use of the metaphor to "move pebbles instead of mountains." Sasha uses this metaphor to highlight prioritizing small acts of kindness just as much as larger efforts if not more. To aid us in finding ways to incorporate more small acts of kindness in our daily routines, Sasha shared antidotes and information about Lynda's Legacy. Lynda's Legacy is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 following the death of Lynda Drabek who empowered the world and encouraged random acts of kindness. Lynda's Legacy is linked here: https://lyndaslegacy.com/ and includes a list of ways you can promote courage, kindness, and compassion even in small capacities. Sasha's mention of Lynda's Legacy is an excellent example of how random acts of kindness foster a positive environment and why we should incorporate smaller acts of leadership as much as possible.

Ultimately, Sasha concluded his final presentation by stating we need to redefine leadership in terms of the small moments and pay it forward. He also shared that it is critical that we set the example and show and teach others how to do the same. In the wise words of Sasha, "we can redefine leadership in a way that makes all of us and all of Dartmouth happy by moving pebbles instead of mountains."

Throughout Sasha's presentation, I was reminded of the things that I value and should value as a leader. I also was inspired to incorporate more random acts of kindness in my daily routine. I also was introduced to Drew Dudley and I want to now explore more into his writings and further understand his thinking and ideologies. Sasha has done an amazing job in applying real-world examples and applications to the very suggestions he made. A topic and idea that is so seemingly simple actually does make a major difference in the way we perceive the world and even the way in which others perceive the world. I am excited to dig deeper into Lynda's Legacy website for random acts of kindness inspiration. Job well done Sasha!

-Written by Amanda Donald-Phillips, Class of 2022 Rockefeller Leadership Fellow 

As Rockefeller Leadership Fellows, seniors gain a better understanding of the qualities and responsibilities expected of leaders. As Fellows take part in the workshops, discussions, and team-building exercises, they examine their skills, qualities, and attributes as leaders and analyze how these influence teamwork and achieving goals.