#GelephuDiaries

I have always believed in bringing people together—because togetherness is strength, togetherness is well-being, and togetherness brings harmony. When we started BBS TV, I coined the corporate slogan—Bringing People Together (which was later changed by some Rimpoche to a less actionable noun: The Bhutanese Expression).

As the Gelephu Mindfulness City project gains momentum, those of us leading even the private spiritual projects must help bring people together, for it has never been more vital to the success of the project. Alongside the royal vision and the investments, the sense of ownership among the public—particularly the youth—will be as important.

Bringing people together is simple—just include them and make them feel part of the project. Share the intent and the vision, ask for their suggestions, and trust them with the information. Simply put, it is about taking them along with you on a journey—after all, every project is a journey. They must feel part of it, included, and empowered to feel it is ultimately for them.

That’s also called leadership—my style. In every project I have led in the past, I have always brought my team together. We consulted each other at every stage. We ate together and we had fun together. Everyone felt part of the team, part of the project, part of the achievements.

Fortunately for me, this time there are many from eastern Bhutan—and basically from my region—living here. First and foremost, these people need to understand the greater vision – the bigger purpose and their role in achieving those goals.

There is one common trait among my ethnic group—the Sharchops. We are simple people, and we love simplicity and humility. As a leader, we look to people who can come down, sit on the ground with us, share a meal and a drink, and have a conversation—and then continue with our respective lives. Nothing more, and nothing less either. Anything short of this and you will lose us forever.

So, here I am on the road—literally and figuratively—bringing people together around my project. And it is so heartwarming to be received, to be believed, and to be accepted. Now looking forward to some wonderful stories and memories from this most ambitious project of our time.

#GelephuMindfulnessCity

#tareythang

#umling