For most of my professional life, I have worked with leaders in a leadership position...and certainly anyone who has spent even a modicum of time researching this subject knows that leadership has been explored, dissected, reduced to skill sets, applied to all, restricted to a few, categorized, summarized and, in short, made an object of study and debate. Recent research in quantum physics and an increased understanding of human nature (not to mention a lifetime of experience) have led me to conclude that leadership is a way of being; a quality of spirit ...
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Leah,
Do you share the leadership philosophy espoused by Michael Shenkman?
"Great leaders inspire success by shaping their lives in dedication to a vision they offer to others, in the spirit of collaboration and mutual aspiration".
Andrew,
While I am aware of Michael Shenkmen's books and his Institute, I am not sufficiently familiar with his work to say that I share his philosophy - but certainly I respect anyone who seeks to help others develop their leadership potential! The work of Robert Greenleaf (servant Leadership), Kurt Hahn (Outward Bound) and Joe Jaworski (Synchronicity - Founder of the American Leadership Institute) as well as the work of Ben and Rosalind Zander (Leadership:the art of Possibility) have all inspired me...but always, I love to learn more, and will take a closer look at Shenkman's work. Thanks for the input!
Leah,
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be able to see the Ben Zander video "Leadership: an art of possibility", and it was truly amazing. The key points are so simple and obvious...
...but not of course easy to practise as requires a permanent mindset change. But how much better the world could be...pity it is so expensive!
Andy.
Leah,
I also have had the pleasure of seeing the Ben Zander video and I have become a true fan of his work. I read on his web page http://www.benjaminzander.com that he has been the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra for 25 years. Leah thank you so much for exposing me to his work. My favorite moment is when he shares the realization that the conductor is the only musician in the orchestra who never makes a sound!
Becoming a great leader I believe starts with becoming a great human being. Your work with Leadership of the Spirit and sharing things like the Ben Zander video is a deeply appreciated contribution to my own growth as a human being.
With Gratitude, Kathy
Wow, Kathy and Andrew! Yes! The Zander's video is wonderful. It really points out the enormous impact of leadership ...and differentiates between the manager as controller and the manager as leader - and WHAT a difference this makes!! What I think comes across clearly is the importance of the attitude of the leader...because attitude infects everything you do. I use the video in The Nurse Manager Boot Camp because, for all my years in leadership development, I have heard managers/administrators talk about staff attitudes and behaviors...without realizing that their own attitude is a far more powerful influence on staff than any other staff member's attitude. Thanks for the input!! Leah
Hi Leah,
I have been paying attention to the things that are going through my mind as I approach and interact with people. It is fascinating to be an “observer” as well as a participant in an interaction. What I notice very clearly is the way people respond to me is VERY differently when I am in a positive frame of mind vs when I am in a hurry or frustrated. This is not only true at work, but at the airport, in the grocery store, anywhere. When I am feeling balance in myself, everyone responds to that and interactions are pleasant and meaningful. When I am out of balance feeling negative or tense uncomfortable interactions follow-me around! This is true even if the person I am interacting with has nothing to do with how I am feeling inside.
When you pay attention, you do become more and more aware of the energy that flows from yourself to others and how it impacts them, even without any spoken words. This awareness creates a big responsibility! I remember a story from Rachel Neomi Remen author of Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfathers Blessings. She tells the story of a young man so distraught that he was on the very of taking his own life. When he later described what helped him out of that situation, he described a perfect stranger that passed him on the street and gave him a big smile. That smile was the turning point for him, he never got to thank the stranger personally, but gives similes freely to strangers in gratitude.
Our thoughts and indeed actions can have tremendous impact! Thanks for all you are doing to raise awareness of this.
Kathy
Dear Kathy,
I know that you are right about the impact our thoughts and attitude have on others. A good deal has been learned about the energy we project. We have known - and measured - for a long time that the brain operates on electricity. Now researchers have been able to 'capture focused thought-commands' in order to transmit simple commands to a computer...And it is not very far-fetched to think that this same energy may impact others. I don't think there is any one who has not entered a room and thought "the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife' ...and we all know what one person's bad attitude can do to a group of co-workers...Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Leah
Leah,
I had the fortunate opportunity to participate and view your original webcast on IdeaConnect on the Leadership topic, and was very inspired to take some of those thoughts into my daily practice at work. I also realized that as I focused more on speaking with clear intention, that it impacted both my working relationships and my personal relationships. It was amazing to see how my focus on positive collaboration, gave way to amazing ideas and facilitation of postive projects.... However, over time it becomes challenging to hold that space. We do get caught up in the daily grind, especially as we face trying times in the economic world, these uncertin times impact all pieces of our lives... how do we continue to hold the space? Of course... watching your webcast again certinally helps :)
Best, ~sara
Sara...It is hard to hold onto the importance of mindfullness of the energy we bring to each interaction. And my advice is minimal. Each of us can be swept into indifference if we allow it...so, when you notice it, fight it! Look into each face with interest - and, if possible, compassion. Hard economic times do not spoil lives, hoplessness and especially indifference (indifference, not hatred, is the opposite of love) spoil lives. So! do not allow yourself to become indifferent....and thanks! Leah