WOMEN's LEADERSHIP: Carrying a Big Basket

There is another wonderful story with a great leadership lesson that I've heard her tell a number of times. Here is an excerpt paraphrased in part from her book Hesselbein on Leadership.

Frances had been in a training seminar and was sharing with another leader that someone else attending had mentioned that they weren't getting anything out of the training session. Her leader friend responded, "You have to carry a big basket to bring something home."

"I was a young mother of a small boy at the time, and through all the years that followed I've remembered Rose's wisdom and language. ...Carrying a big basket is a metaphor for living, for leading, perhaps even for the secret of a well-lived life. ... Learning is the great adventure."

For all of us as we strive to be great leaders in our own right, it is essential to keep in mind that we have to be willing and open to receive all the lessons that are in front of us every day, filling up our big baskets and taking them all home with us.

What lessons will you take home today?

Debbe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead

*Frances is Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Leader to Leader Institute, an organization with its roots in the social sector and its predecessor, the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. She is a leader notably hailed by Fortune, Business Week and the New York Times and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the USA's highest civilian honor.

Comments

[Sara Robinson]

This metaphor has resonance for me, as well, Debbe. One of my mentors, Guy Finley (www.guyfinley.com), once said that the most important three words in our language are "I can learn". He says that we can accomplish anything in life, if we remain teachable. Sometimes when I'm presented with a new task that seems beyond my capabilities and outside my comfort zone, I retreat into a place of fear and self-doubt. As I grow older, it's sometimes easier to say "I'll leave that to the younger generation". If I want to remain strong and relevant, however, I simply must remain teachable and open to learning new things. So, my new mantra must be "I'm smart enough to learn". Thank you for reminding me of this valuable lesson.

[Debbe Kennedy - Women in the Lead INSPIRATION BLOG]

Sara,
Thank you for sharing this special insight from your perspective. Thanks for reminding me too!

Debbe