21 Caribbean Proverbs to Inspire Your Inner Leader to Shine

What pops in your mind when you think of the Caribbean?Laying on a beach from sunrise to sunset with a soul-soothing cocktail in hand; you sit up and marvel at the sea. Who knew that so many shades of blues and greens existed?Planting your feet in flour-soft sand, you sway to the unmistakable rhythm and flavours of the islands. Shall I go on?Yes this is the Caribbean. But there is another hidden Caribbean.Come with me and take a trip beyond the tourist trap zones, the yachts and the glossy chic of the luxury boltholes. I invite you to join me.  Let's take the road less travelled and discover an authentic corner of Caribbean culture.This post is an homage to the wisdom of the Elders through Caribbean folk-sayings. These proverbs, once abundant are now increasingly scarce in everyday language. If you know where to look, you will find these remarkable pearls of wisdom.Follow me…

What’s Remarkable About Caribbean Proverbs?

A Caribbean saying is a guide for living, handling relationships and doing business.When this truism is fired straight up like a shot of over-proof rum, it can either admonish you or uplift your spirits.Make no mistake; it scorches through any ideas of misplaced self-importance, disingenuous behaviour and lack of clearheadedness .The words have an uncanny way of connecting you to what is real and, more importantly, what’s not.Caribbean proverbs are small lessons drawn from a people’s story of resilience, adaptation and survival against the odds.They are a peek into the authentic, incredible D.I.Y (Do It Yourself) yet community-biased culture that often remains hidden behind the public tourism face of the islands.Yet these are the values and mind-set which resonate then and now. If adopted they can help you lead and live successfully in today’s world.If you are bored with the now common ‘Leadership Hack’ articles and usual ‘bootstrap’ tips, this post is for you.Read on. Fire up your leadership mojo with a zing of generous wisdom and shot of take-it-or-leave-it Caribbean attitude.

21 Caribbean Sayings for Leaders Who Want to Keep It Real

Note: These are a collection of Antiguan and Barbadian (Bajan) sayings. You will find the same or similar in other English-speaking Caribbean islands.1. "You shake man han' but you no shake he heart."2. “Every skin teet (smile) ain’t a laugh.”3. “You mus' learn to see an' no see.” (See things and say nothing).4. “Troubles are worse than death.”5. “New brooms sweep clean, but ole brooms know de corners.”6. “Willful waste makes a woeful want.” (Your extravagance leads to desperate want).7. “Taking time ain’t laziness.”8. “Quick sale is light gain.”9. “Spider an' fly can't mek bargain.”10. “When you hab plenty, member rainy day.” (When you have abundance, save for scarce times).11. “Where goat tie, a dey dem feed.” (People act according to their surroundings).12. "Sweet tongue hide black heart."13. "Shut mout' no ketch fly". (Nobody can blame you for things you never said).14. "Say some and lef some". (Do not tell all you know).15. "One han' can't clap".  (We need to help each other.)16. "One one full basket".17. "One rotten sheep will 'poil (spoil) de whole flock".18. "Mek friend when you no need dem".19. "De worst of livin’ is better than the best of dead".20. "Every day a fishing day, not every day a catching day".21. "After cloud, clear wedda". (weather).Bonus“The day you stop racing, is the day you win the race.” – Bob MarleyGo on, have a go. Each one is sprinkled with a touch of sun to make you smile.  Add some Caribbean wisdom to your leadership and life style. Let me know how you get on.Take your pick of 21 old-time sayings for wise leading and living.  Which proverb resonates most deeply with you?Drop a note in the comment box. I would love to read them.Hit the share buttons and help other readers enjoy this article too.Sources of Caribbean Proverbs from Antigua and Barbadoshttp://antiguahistory.net/Museum/cultural.htm‘The Way We Talk and Other Antiguan Folkways’ by Joy Lawrence.‘How To Be a Bajan’ by Harold Hoyte.‘Barbadian Dialect’ by Frank A. Collymore.The HR Rabbit Hole will be taking a short break.The school holidays are here and my Antiguan/British/Barbadian (Bajan) home will be welcoming visiting friends and family – Caribbean style. Promises to go kite flying, spend time at the beach, unplug and recharge must be honoured.I will be catching up on my reading. So look out for snackable morsels of discovered tips and ideas via our Facebook page and Twitter until The HR Rabbit Hole blog will be back on Monday 4th April.Until we meet again down the HR Rabbit Hole…I’m off to the beach for a little “lime” (word for hang out / chill – ideally in good company in English-speaking Caribbean islands).Look out for a fresh new post on Monday 4th April.