LEADERS SPRING! Unleashing Promise and Potential: Leadership from the Inside Out Nov.6, 2013 Yesterday, Dr. Gabriela Melano had the privilege to attend the16th Annual Event of Leaders Spring— a national nonprofit organization transforming the way leadership development work is conceived, conducted and evaluated, primarily within the nonprofit sector. [leadershiplearning.org] By providing a variety of training, coaching, mentoring and community-development activities that support the NEW TYPES of LEADERSHIP that our current times need and deserve, they are forging the present and future of the NEW WORLD unfolding before us! The luncheon was packed with inspiring people of various social sectors (not-for-profit, business, consulting, education, etc.)—yet, they seemed to coalesce in the value and vision for SHARED LEADERSHIP. The following are just a few of the many inspiring and motivating things shared by the panel of outstanding speakers: • Leaders are CURIOUS—they ask a lot of questions and are great LISTENERS! • Leaders don’t always have the answers—as their HONESTY and VULNERABILITY can actually build trust. “And, they lead their constituency in finding the answers”, is what Gabriela would add! ;-) • Leaders are willing to take RISKS and LEARN when things don’t quite work as planned • Leaders know when and how to FOLLOW— as leadership is clearly shared! • Leaders MENTOR their prodigies and “expect them to be 10 times better than them!” One of the panelists, Mary Stutts, Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast California and author of “The Missing Mentor: Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities”, shared that “leaders do not let disappointments detract them from their path.” Furthermore, when before set-backs, “be sure to re-enter your promise.” Of course, in order to do all of this, it is critical to know yourself well—that’s where the “leadership from the inside out” comes in so clearly as well as handy! Yes, it is also practical to know yourself! ☺ Can you imagine the amount of head aches, time, energies and money saved!?! ☺ Can you imagine a commercial stating “know yourself, own your power, you will not need to purchase our pain relievers anymore”?! ☺ Kaushik Roy, another delightful panelist, and the Executive Director of The Shanti Project shared the following African-based belief. When we pass, up in heaven, we will be asked about our deeds and about our scars. Our scars?!?! Yes, as if we have none to show, we may be rightfully asked: “What? Was there not anything that you were willing to fight for?” Thus, leading a worthwhile Life will inherently entail going beyond our comfort zones and be willing even to be scared for what is right. This last comment called Gabriela’s attention. If you pay close attention to her, you will realize she has a somewhat noticeable scar. It does not hurt anymore and, yes, it was also as a result of doing what was right at the moment. Fortunately, it was not as a result of outright violence. She is using it to inspire others to own even their scars, and move forward in achieving their dreams! Food for thoughts or INVITATION: What type of a leader are you? And, nope, you don’t need to be the one always at the forefront and with the most noticeable voice, OK? (In fact, those our out of fashion in the Twenty-first Century.) What are you willing to take risks for, and yes… even also heal and even hold your scars for? Why would it matter to you and to others? Listen up to your own answers, as knowing yourself is core to becoming the most excellent leader you can, right now, in your own present… while propelled to the future!
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:58:48 +0000
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