#peter fitzpatrick

On Colonial Universality and other Legal Prerogatives: Reflections on Peter Fitzpatrick’s The Mythology of Modern Law

[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]

2017 marked the 25th anniversary of Peter Fitzpatrick’s The Mythology of Modern Law. An eloquent and incisive critique of Occidental law’s pretensions to secular origins, Fitzpatrick’s text remains of prime significance to scholars engaged with the constitutive forces of race, racism, and colonialism in the…

I have frequently heard and read accomplished people tell you there is no secret to success. I am officially disagreeing. Every successful team I have been a part of has been guided by the following:

...a strong mission and concrete values; the absolute necessity of candor in every aspect...

For Example

A good corporate example is Starbucks. In the 1990‘s and early 2000‘s, Baristas understood that their job was not to pour coffee, it was to improve the day of each one of their customers. When Steve Schultz relieved himself as CEO, they lost view of their mission and stumbled. When he returned, the first thing he did was bring each store manager to New Orleans to do a combined 50 000 hours of community service. Since, Starbucks has caught itself and is back on track as a top tier Fortune 500 company.

Sigma Chi–one of the oldest and largest Greek organization in the world–is another good example. Values are literally why Sigma Chi exists. The mission is clear: to make each other better leaders, brothers and community members. A mission and value set that is so strong it lasts our entire lives. It is a core factor of our organization’s success.

Even my high school hockey team, which is notable because it won the provincial championship three years in a row, was rooted in an understood mission and clear values. We understood that our mission was to win the championship, nothing less. We were guided by the values of a humble, hardworking team.

How is this useful?

As a leader you will need to make sure your team understands the organization’s mission and is anchored by clear, shared values. This responsibility falls square on the top leadership of the team. Team members can focus on understanding and living the values of the organization. If you don’t like them, do everyone a favor and leave.

I think this concept is even more important for individuals. Understanding your values is extremely important. It motivates you and helps you make decisions. You can find it in many different places. Mine have come from the my family, friends, yoga and Sigma Chi. Yours can be found anywhere, and in my experience are driven by your feelings about right and wrong.

Your mission is your most important goal. It is what motivates you to keep working harder than everyone else at whatever it is you want to do. I believe this works for students who want A’s, entrepreneurs who want to build a disruptive company or Mothers who want to create the best lives for their children (I love you Mom). In my experience, missions come from the heart; born from passion.

A very accomplished Sigma Chi once told me that one of the most important things to do when planning your future is to make sure you have the wind at your back. He was trying to teach me that the industry I enter will have a major influence on my success. For example, entering the landline phone business would be a much more difficult industry to find success in than cloud computing.  

The Sigma Chi had built the wireless communication infrastructure of a large portion of Eastern Europe, raising over 50 Billion dollars in his lifetime. The wind at his back was the high demand for wireless technology and economic growth in Eastern Europe.

Everyone should apply the same thinking to their professional planning. It can be applied to all vocations from law to teaching to entrepreneurship. What industry should you enter? Will the skills be transferable to another industry if this one doesn't work out? How will this industry be affected by a more affluent Asia? 

Two new Australian musicals will be presented by Magnormos at Theatre Works, as part of the 2011 season, and Casey Donovan will make her Magnormos debut. 

Firstly, Magnormos presents the Melbourne premiere of THE HATPIN by Peter Rutherford and James Millar, from 16 May 2011.  THE HATPIN, set in Sydney in 1892 is the true story of Amber Murray, who, in a desperate attempt to save the life of her beloved baby, finds herself embroiled in one of the most captivating and moving criminal trials in Australian history.

More information: http://www.magnormos.com/thehatpin.htm

Magnormos will also present the World premiere of FLOWERCHILDREN by Peter Fitzpatrick, featuring the music of The Mamas and Papas, from 29 August 2011.

FLOWERCHILDREN is an exciting new musical about the turbulent private lives of the American vocal group  The Mamas and The Papas, giving new insight into the hits that are their legacy: 'California Dreamin'', 'Monday Monday' 'Creeque Alley', 'Dedicated To The One I Love', and 'Dream A Little Dream of Me'.

While THE HATPIN cast is yet to be announced, Magnormos is proud to announce the principal FLOWERCHILDREN cast as:

Matt Hetherington Dan Humphris Laura Fitzpatrick and Casey Donovan as Mama Cass.