WHAT CAN DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROFESSIONALS LEARN FR
courtesy of Nancy Birnbaum-Gerber
10/06/06

While we may all be surprised and saddened by the recent loss of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the one-of-a-kind Australian 'Wildlife Warrior', we are also moved to celebrate his life. Here are some lessons to be learned from this larger than life human being:

Steve lived his passion every minute of every day. He was committed to -- some even said obsessed with -- educating anyone who would listen about all critters great and small. He believed that he was put on this earth to save wildlife, and devoted himself completely to that mission. He didn't downplay or soft pedal his intensity. His enthusiasm and sheer joy was evident in everything he did.

Steve was authentic. He knew who he was -- just an regular Aussie bloke -- and never tried to be anything else. No matter what the setting, international TV or high tone corporate gathering, there was Steve in his khaki shirt and shorts. He also was smart enough to have a sense of humor about himself -- he knew that he could be seen as a caricature, and enjoyed the laughs he generated. He also walked the walk as well as talking the talk -- nearly all of his substantial revenue was channeled right back into conservation projects.

Most of all, Steve Irwin was a human being and unafraid to show it. He cried as he spoke of how much he missed his mother, even years after her death. He let us see his deep love for his wife and family and friends. He knew that some of the things he did might be misunderstood or make people angry, and he accepted that as part of the territory without allowing it to divert him from his path. He made mistakes, but didn't use them as excuses or see them as roadblocks. And, although some have speculated that an error in judgment caused the accident that killed him, he died doing what he loved, having created the life and legacy he intended.

Steve Irwin remains a positive role model for us all and he embodies the same qualities as does the effective Mediator and Arbitrator: Authenticity, humility, a sense of humor, a passion for his career, the ability to accept his flaws as well as his gifts, and the willingness to express and share true emotion. From this crocodile hunter, we learn valuable lessons- how to manifest our passions, live our dreams, how to show the world and ourselves our true authentic nature, and how to accept our full humanity- strengths and weaknesses alike.

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One person with passion is better than 40 people merely interested. ~ E.M. Forster

There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There's no such thing as life in between. ~ Pat Riley

Commitment is never an act of moderation! ~ Kenneth Mills