Israel 2020: Day 8

So awesome going to the Bahai Gardens today in Haifa, Israel. 

Took the train to Haifa and then a taxi ride up this big hill. 

Got out at the top and not sure what to expect. 

We go through security…

And then we see this completely BREATHTAKING view of the Bahai Gardens along with an amazing view of Haifa, the port, and up and down the Mediterranean Sea. 

The view Extended all the way up to the Crusader Castle in Akko. 

The terraced Bahai Gardens were spectacular.  

I’ve never seen anything like this. 

We walked down the terraces some 700 stairs. 

And along the way were fountains, gardens, and more beautiful landscapes and views. 

This is definitely something to see (thank you Hashem for this opportunity). 😉

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Confidence Speaks

I found this interesting about communications management. 

On one hand, when discussing issues, you want to listen to everyone’s input, and consider all sides. 

On the other hand, it’s critical to be competent, confident, and “know what you’re talking about.”

Amos Oz wrote:

Those who hesitate and doubt are convinced by those who are strong-minded. 

So it’s an important balancing act:

– Not to be so self-confident that you aren’t listening to others, 

– But also not being so unsure and hesitant that you don’t stand behind your values and views. 

Confidence speaks, but overconfidence is deaf. 😉

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The View From Upfront and Behind

Thought this was a smart saying from a colleague:

“If you ain’t the lead dog, the view doesn’t change.”

What the dogs upfront and those behind them see are quite a different view. 

It’s important for the lead dogs to guide the other dogs in a good direction and stay clear from obstacles. 

We may not all see the same thing, but whatever our viewpoints are, we all have to work together and pull our hardest towards progress. 

It’s a race to the finish–and finish strong and together we all must. 😉

(Source Photo: here with attribution to Natalia Kollegova)

Paper Thin

I took this photo to show something “paper thin.”

Did this after my daughter told me a quote she thought was pretty smart and which I immediately liked as well:

“No matter how thin you slice it, there will always be two sides.”

– Jewish Philosopher, Baruch Spinoza

I think of the two sides in terms of peoples opinions.

And it’s true, no matter how thin you cut the differences, there will always be at least two views about it–usually more! 

It doesn’t make it easy to get to consensus, but I guess we all have to give a little. 😉

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal, excuse the glare)