Denial isn’t a river in Egypt

In December 2017, I was in Khartoum delivering a leadership program for senior directors of the Central Bank of Sudan. My session was on coaching for wise decision-making.

Early in the workshop, the group challenged me: “We expect the Qur’an to teach us what wisdom is. We don’t need this.” I explained how wisdom is central to all faiths, and they could not deny the complex problems of the 21st century often require a third system of thinking.

I tried to lighten the mood with a familiar line: “...and denial isn’t a river in Egypt.”

Silence.

In that instant I realised two things:

1. Egypt is Sudan’s historical enemy.
2. (de) Nile was literally outside the window!

What I thought was a clever line came across as ignorant, and worse, intolerant.

The lesson?

Leadership in a global, diverse world requires deep respect for values different to our own. Without it, even the best intentions (or clever jokes) can miss the mark, and close the very doors we’re trying to open!