Refuse the Either/Or. Embrace the AND.

A note to young leaders.

Would you rather be rich or happy?
Would you rather be powerful or kind?

When I’m asked these types of questions, I always answer: “Both”.

“Yes, sure, but if you have to choose”, they invariably protest.

“But I don’t have to choose. We are all called to be successful AND happy; powerful AND kind.”

The world is very fond of posing either/or choices – but greatness consists in AND, not OR.

To be kind is good – to be kind AND powerful is better. To be rich is good – to be rich AND generous is better.

So the next time someone asks you to choose – remember the power of the ampersand.