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  • BEING a Leader: Learning from One Another
  • WOMEN: Is it me you're looking for?
  • CHANGE, PATIENCE, and REINVENTING Ourselves
  • WOMEN: Leadership Lessons from Rosa Parks
  • Remembering My Mother's Gifts
  • WOMEN: Courage to Blossom
  • INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's DAY Commemorative Webinar Join us?
  • WOMEN in the LEAD: Meeting Together Across the World (SPECIAL WEBINAR)
  • St. Valentine's Day: Symbol of Friendship and Affection
  • WOMEN: LEADERSHIP is How TO BE

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BEING a Leader: Learning from One Another

Fh-conference-center-icon5When I was a young aspiring leader at IBM, I was fortunate to have been mentored in the distance by Frances Hesselbein, who at the time was the CEO for the Girl Scouts of America. I had seen her in a classic film by Warren Bennis called THE LEADER WITHIN. At the time, there weren't a lot of women in leadership roles to emulate. We were just making our way.

What I remember about seeing her in this film in one of my early Management Development classes at IBM was that she was so human in her way of engaging people and interacting. She also seemed to have a classic beauty about how she walked in the world. She saw herself as a leader first...a leader that happened to BE a woman.

Fast forward 15+ years ...and a day came when a customer invited me to call Frances to ask her for her help on an executive event being held at Hewlett Packard at a woman's gathering of 2800 women. She immediately took my phone call and her response to my inquiry for her help has stayed forever in my memory: "Debbe, she said, "Let me make a few phones calls. I think we are going to do something wonderful!!!" ...and wonderful it was!

Frances-2011-dkenendyFrances Hesselbein is today a legendary leader extraordinaire and recipient of the Presidential Medal of freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America for her pioneering work, including advancing women, diversity, and voluteerism. 
Frances' Bio

Would you like to meet her and
talk with her person to person?

YOU'RE INVITED!
Fast forward again to the present... After many years of rewarding friendship and partnership, the Gift we have been given is to meet up to work together online in partnership through our organizations, Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute and the Global Dialogue Center. This year, Frances is joining me for three distinctively different webinars for leaders at every level, whether you are aspiring, new to leadership, or working to renew yourself for this new time.

Please be our guest for BEING a Leader LIVE!. Each ONLINE global conversation explores key aspects of the challenges and opportunities leaders face day-to-day. Invite your team or a leader you know may benefit. No fees. Reserve your place for all three webinars or the dates that work best for you...
 REGISTER:  Tuesday JUN 5  |  Thursday OCT 18  |  Wednesday DEC 5
If you have registered already, know we are thrilled you will be with us!
LEARN MORE: 
http://www.hesselbeininstitute.org/events/globalwebinars.html
  

Download a PDF Brochure to view and share 

Hope you can be with us! I look forward to introducing you to Frances and sharing the time with you.

Warmest regards,

Debbe


DK-LinkedinsmDebbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of  Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership,
and High Performance (Berrett-Koehler)
**2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner **


 

May 04, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, innovation, leadership, online events, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: Is it me you're looking for?

Womaninmirror Once in a while we unexpectedly are reminded that our most reliable mentor is inside of us. This weekend, by chance, I ran across the quote from a little book of "pearls and gems" from Richard Bach. It's a keeper.

"If you want to meet someone who can fix any situation you don't like, who can bring you happiness in spite of what other people say or believe, look in the mirror, then say this magic word:

"Hello."


How will you use this precious gift? 

Warm regards,
Debbe

DK-LinkedinsmDebbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of  Women in the Lead

author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership,
and High Performance (Berrett-Koehler)
**2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner ** 

May 01, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: authors, books, Debbe Kennedy, women's development, women's leadership

CHANGE, PATIENCE, and REINVENTING Ourselves

Butterfly
It seems the best of us are impatient for results in our lives. Whether it is the urgent pressures we feel to create life for our families, reaching for our career goals, dreaming of financial stability, finding peace within a busy life, wishing unexpected troubles would disapper or sometimes, finding the love and personal security we long for as women. Oh, we want so much for things to happen that sometimes we disturb the process. We push our timetable on things sometimes forcing a premature birth before its time has come.

As I write, a few memorable disappointments come to mind when I wished and manipulated circumstances, rushing to the finish. A couple of these decisions led me into heartache and later heartbreak for myself and others. I've also experienced the joy of patience and much prefer the experience and outcome. I've learned that Good things come to those who wait ---- not those who do nothing, but if you keep your actions goal-directed and remain patient for the outcome to materialize as you dream.

Some time ago at one of these times, I read a story in the book, Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Greg Levoy. It speaks to this impatience we feel. He writes:

"In his autobiography, Nokos Kazantzakis, author of Zorba the Greek, described an incident in which he came upon a cocoon cradled in the bark of an olive tree just as the butterfly was making a hole and attempting to emerge. Impatient for results, he bent over it and warmed it under his breath, by which he succeeded in speeding up the process. The butterfly, however, emerged prematurely, its wings hopelessly crumpled and stuck to its own body, which needed the sun's patient warmth, not the man's impertinent breath, to transform it. Moments, later, after a desperate struggle, the butterfly died in the palm of his hand. 'That little body," he wrote toward the end of his life, 'is the greatest weight I have on my conscience.'"

As the lesson about the butterfly teaches, we have to learn to trust that all things happen in their own time when our lives are ready to receive the miracles in store for us. Hold this thought!

The dream was always running ahead of me.
To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it,
that was the miracle. 
--- Anais Nin

Has impatience influenced your life? What lessons have you learned from it?
I would love to know what you've learned.

RELATED POST: WOMEN: Claiming Your Wings by Debbe Kennedy

Debbe


DK-Linkedinsm

Debbe Kennedy

founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**

April 19, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, leadership, self-help, women, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: Leadership Lessons from Rosa Parks

 

IStock_000004907072XSmall[1]-whiterose Some leaders teach us lessons that transcend time, situation, and distance. It is as if they show up, creating opportunities for us to become more ourselves, if we are willing to listen and learn from their journeys and contributions.

As I've been watching recent reactions to change in many directions, I've thought many times of Mrs. Rosa Parks' example, as the well-known Mother of the Civil Rights Movement in the US. Her remarkable contribution that unknowingly was the catalyst that opened the way for people of color, women and all people, shines brightly on us all.

So what could we learn about forging new paths from Rosa Parks' contributions?

I've always loved the leadership example Rosa Parks set for all of us as women. Also, men could learn from it too. Let's consider just a few of her leadership qualities:

  • She let her ACTIONS speak for her. Instead ranting and raving about things, she just quietly took action and gave new truth to the notion that "actions speak louder than words." Long before her now famous action on the bus, she demonstrated her quiet strength in working to change things that were unjust for the sake of others.
  • She didn't stop with one action. Rosa Parks spent a lifetime quietly going about using her influence for good. She stayed true to her convictions. Rosa Parks story is American history...her arrest and trial, a 381-day Montgomery bus boycott, and, finally, the Supreme Court's ruling in November 1956 that segregation on transportation is unconstitutional ...but moreover, her determination to work for others became the catalyst for change throughout her life.
  • She set the example of the power of feminine dignity. With an undeniable sparkle in her eye, she presented herself to the world with the beauty of dignity and grace. Always a soft, warm smile and understated elegance seemed to follow her presence whenever she showed up. It was a presence that  commanded respect and attention without words...just by being a leader in her own right.

Rosaparks_3 "Our mistreatment was just not right, and I was tired of it," writes Rosa Parks in her book, Quiet Strength, (Zondervan Publishing House, 1994). "I kept thinking about my mother and my grandparents, and how strong they were. I knew there was a possibility of being mistreated, but an opportunity was being given to me to do what I had asked of others."

"I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people." --- Rosa Parks

As we think about the contributions we will make in our lifetime, what shining qualities do you most want to share with others? How can you apply these lessons from Rosa Parks, a woman who changed a nation:

  • Let your leadership ACTIONS speak for you.
  • Stay true to your convictions; be consistent by example for a lifetime.
  • Be a leader with quiet strength, wide influence, grace and dignity.
  • Be the change you want to see in others; it can change the world around you.

More highlights of Rosa Park's life on NPR. Listen now...

Warm regards to all,

Debbe

DK-LinkedinDebbe Kennedy


Founder, Global Dialogue Center
 
Home of
 

Twitter:@debbekennedy
Women in the Leadwww.globaldialoguecenter.com

 Podtw-book-cover Author...
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy
 ▪ Berrett-Koehler  – Hardcover . Kindle. Large Print
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner ** 
Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future

www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

Buy a Copy at Amazon.com

YouTube Book Review by futurist Joel A. Barker

February 14, 2012 in Books, Current Affairs, Weblogs, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, current affairs, diversity, women, women's development, women's leadership

Remembering My Mother's Gifts

Tribute to My Mom Maydelle had a unique spirit all her own. She was a little over five feet tall. She developed her own "style of beauty" as she called it and it came with her share of complexities. Outwardly, she had an sense of OPTIMISM that was often  infectious --- and she did have a way of brightening a room that needed it. A friend's first impression of her at a gathering one time in her mid-life always stayed with me. He said, "I watched your mother floating around tonight in her BLUE dress. I felt sure any minute, she would be bursting out to say, "Life is a BIG balloon!"


Her optimism influenced me too. It lifted me up many times, putting heartaches and struggle in their proper perspective, as well as  making the possibility of DREAMS coming true something that gave me the COURAGE to try and believe in them.

When she died ... it seems so long ago and yesterday all in one ... I wrote a tribute to her. What I didn't know at the time is how life itself, in the years that followed, would magnify the SIGNIFICANCE and VALUE of the things she instilled in me for which I am so deeply grateful.The excerpt below is from my tribute to her. It defines the most cherished things that bear her fingerprints.

Tribute to my Mother
...an excerpt written when she passed away

There are a number of things I've told you before,
But I want to say them now, too.
I am grateful you were my mother.
I appreciate that you taught me only the highest moral and ethical values;
Which I carry as a most precious gift from you in this life.
I am grateful to know about mutual respect...
Loving others.
Being honest.
The virtue of humility.
The importance of doing one's best.
The difference between right and wrong.
The possibilities in reaching for things I never imagined I could do.
The dignity of being a woman...

If she is up there watching, I know she is very happy to have this acknowledgement.
The choice of BLUE has a significance too.

"I love any color as long as it is BLUE." -- Maydelle

Happy Mother's Day!

Warm regards to all...
Debbe

Dk-ww-5-2011-2 
Debbe Kennedy

Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

May 07, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, mother's day, women's development

WOMEN: Courage to Blossom

Purple flower1 This has been an eventful year of growth for me so far. How about you?
I really felt it this week. I almost can't describe it as it came in what seemed an overwhelming stack of demands. Not just from work, but life demanding more of me. Encouraging me to free myself of fears and GROW!

This morning I ran across a poem I wrote several years ago on such a day. It made me wonder again at the miracle that comes when we reach inside to free our courage to blossom:


The Courage to Blossom

by Debbe Kennedy

Early morning sunshine.
Tide was in, the waves in sweet serenade.
My day began.

Long list of things from unfinished days.
Deadlines looming, hollering out in venom doubts.
The courageous heart drowns out the noise.
It believes, pushing upward, upward.
Looking out to see the finish near.
A quiet stirring, a tiny movement begins it all.
Unfolding petals, reaching, reaching.
Gaining strength in warm mid-day sun.
Stretching, stretching beyond the shadows.
Falling into perfect place.
The work is done.

I blossomed today.

"...And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was
more painful
than the risk to bloom." --- Anais Nin

Are you being called to blossom?

COURAGE Related:
Join me ONLINE Wednesday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET for COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP with author Bill Treasurer...an interactive, global webinar. Free to attend. Register and we send you how to login/phone-in. http://tinyurl.com/registerMARCH23

In gratitude for this truth and for all of you for sharing the moment with me,

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work
**2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner** - Bronze

Dk-11-2010-sm

March 20, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: authors, debbe kennedy, leadership, women's development, women's leadership

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN's DAY Commemorative Webinar Join us?

IWD-History-MARCH9-GlobalDialogueCenter

 

PHOTO: IWD HISTORY | Handout for MARCH 9
Women in the Lead [Webinar].
Learn more below.
(Click on it to see the full version).

 

 

 

 Happy International Women's Day - 100 Years! We hope you can join us Wednesday, MARCH 9 for our annual WEBINAR commemoration of this special day. This year is particularly special...

WOMEN in the LEAD: Our Significant Roles in the Global Economy with celebrated author and leader extraordinaire, Frances Hesselbein.    

Over 500 leaders of every kind, representing 36 countries and over 46 states in the United States are joining us. It is FREE to attend. Just register and we will send you the login-phone-in information via email.

To learn more, WATCH this video. To REGISTER NOW: http://tinyurl.com/registerMARCH9

Hope you can share the global leadership experience with us!

Warm regards to all,
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work:
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance

Dk-11-2010-sm

 

 



March 08, 2011 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, debbe kennedy, International Women's Day, Webinars, women's development, Women's Leadership

WOMEN in the LEAD: Meeting Together Across the World (SPECIAL WEBINAR)

Naseem-debususaan There is so much for us to learn from one another around the world. Our lives take different routes. Our paths are charted down different roads. Our destinies still are woven into some universal truths that we share as WOMEN and as LEADERS in our unique spans of influence.

I continue to be touched by the mystery of how our stories are drawn to one another through technology. The Internet has allowed us to meet  in ways we never imagined would be possible --- to get a glimpse of our DIFFERENCES and SAMENESS all in one across the world --- to experience and connect as women in the distance, finding the common ground upon which we walk.

This beautiful woman in red, Naseem, is a wife, mother, a mid-wife, a musician, costume designer, teacher, speaks multiple languages, and is a member of the award-winning world band, DEBU.  She lives in Indonesia. She also is my  niece. Through Facebook, we reconnected across the distance. A small miracle for which we are most Grateful. A blessing.

Meeting Together Across the World...
Coming up very soon, there is another opportunity for us to meet through technology. We are commemorating International Women's Day 2011 Centenary Celebration 1911 - 2011 - 100 Years with an ONLINE global gathering with a focus on women's leadership. The Global Dialogue Center in partnership with Leader to Leader Institute  (formerly Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management) warmly invite you to join us as our guest for a very special WEBINAR on Wednesday, March 9, 2011...  See VIDEO INVITATION at this link for details: http://tinyurl.com/309VIDEOinvite
(allow a few seconds for the url to open).

WIL-MARCH9 

WOMEN in the LEAD: Our Significant Roles in the Global Economy
with a very special Executive Guest:  Frances Hesselbein, founding president and CEO, Leader to Leader Institute. Among her many honors, Mrs. Hesselbein is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America; awarded by President Clinton to honor her pioneering efforts on behalf of women, diversity, and volunteerism.  Mrs. Hesselbein's Biography  Her newest book has just been released, My Life in Leadership: The Journey and Lessons Learned Along the Way (Jossey-Bass 2011).

Wednesday, MARCH 9, 2011 
at the Global Dialogue Center CONFERENCE Center 
1pm - 3pm ET (New York) 10am - 12:00 Noon PT (San Francisco)
Check Global Time 
wherever you are in the world 

Brochure to share (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/4mz6fbk
REGISTER DIRECTLY NOW: http://tinyurl.com/2a99638

So far, women are gathering from  over 20+ countries and 33+ states across the United States  to put their fingerprint on this special occasion. We hope you'll be with us too!

Warm regards,
Debbe 

Photo: Naseem by Debu Susaan

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Dk-11-2010-sm

 

 

February 18, 2011 in Books, Current Affairs, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, International Women's Day 2011, IWD, technology, webinars, women's development, women's leadership

St. Valentine's Day: Symbol of Friendship and Affection

IStock_000000378702XSmall.jpgRIBBON-HEART St. Valentine's Day has a story and a life behind it. Did you know? I can't believe it's been another year since I first shared this story, but it moved me. Changed how I see this day.

A dear friend, Bay Area Artist, Sally K. Green, introduced me to the story. It gave new meaning to February 14 and I wanted to share it with you. Regardless of your faith, it serves as a reminder to us all that few things in our lives have arrived without the sacrifices of others before us. May we add to its universal symbol of friendship and affection, a heart filled with gratitude.


in commemoration…


The Story of Saint Valentine
February 14th

Saint Valentine gave comfort and counsel to Christians who were in prison awaiting their execution during the rule of Emperor Claudian Caesar. In those days people were put to death for being followers of Christ.

In order to increase his army, Caesar forbid young men to marry, believing that single men made better soldiers than married men. But Saint Valentine refused to follow Caesar’s orders and urged young lovers to come to him in secret so that they could be married.  Eventually it was discovered and Saint Valentine was arrested and brought before Caesar. Caesar was so impressed with the young priest that he attempted to convert him away from Christianity to believe in the many Roman gods, but Valentine refuse, he held true to his faith and instead tried to convert Caesar to Christianity–Caesar was angry and condemned him to death.

While in prison waiting for his own execution, Valentine became friends with the jailer, Asterius, and his blind daughter. Asterius’  daughter was very kind to Valentine and brought him food and messages. They developed a friendship and toward the end of his imprisonment Valentine was able to convert both of them to Christianity. It is believed that Saint Valentine also performed a miracle by restoring the girl’s sight.

The night before his execution, Valentine wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it “From Your Valentine,” a phrase that we use today. He was executed on February 14th, 273 AD.

On the list of Christian martyrs it reads,

             “At Rome, on the Flaminian Way,
             the heavenly birthday of the
             blessed martyr Valentine, a priest.
             After performing many miraculous
             cures and giving much wise counsel
             he was beaten and beheaded under
             Claudius Caesar.”

The valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection shared on the anniversary of Valentine’s execution, St. Valentine’s Day.

Learn about other spiritual messengers and leaders with a lasting impression at Sally's online gallery.
She has a wonderful way of telling the little known stories behind her paintings and sculptures that give them new meaning.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Dk-11-2010-sm

 

 

 

February 14, 2011 in Current Affairs, Religion, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: st. valentine, women, women leadership

WOMEN: LEADERSHIP is How TO BE

PINK-ROSE-Blooming

"Leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do it."
--- Frances Hesselbein, founding President, Chairman and CEO, Leader to Leader Institute (formerly Peter F. Drucker Fdtn) and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America. See SAVE THE DATE below.


I've always loved this important piece of WISDOM from Frances Hesselbein's bestselling book, Hesselbein on Leadership. She also talks about it often ---- and as I've watched and learned from her through the years, she clearly demonstrates "how to be" in all her actions. Her vision of calling us to focus on "how to be, instead of how to do it" is perfect to carry with us throughout the year in this environment of challenge, change, and opportunity. 

Business management skills alone aren't enough for today's leaders. This time in history is asking much more of us. We have to get comfortable with putting more heart into our leadership, creating that dazzling combination of competence and human compassion, interest, and understanding of others. What demands call for this human dimension of leadership? The same ones that are calling us understand change. Cope with change. Accept change. Learn to embrace change...and most importantly, lead change wherever the opportunity arises. People in our lives and work are looking to us to lead the way out of these times of uncertainty. Our humanness, as leaders, plays a significant role in making this possible. It is the part of that great strategy that builds trust and motivates others to join the mission to make change happen. It is the ingredient that can influence transformation of a family, an organization, a community, a nation and our world. 

What contribution will you make?
How do think your human leadership qualities stack up for this mission?

Below is a list of attributes that I've found valuable as a leader. Most of them made the list from watching leaders like Frances Hesselbein in action and by putting what I observed into practice. I review the list often and adjust and adapt it, as I continue to learn and grow as a leader.

  • Ability to see beyond problems.
  • Never, never compromises leadership values.
  • Actions match words.
  • Genuine interest in people.
  • Asks many questions.
  • Listens to answers.
  • Takes time to know people.
  • Looks for the best in people.
  • Keeps "hope alive" during difficult times.
  • Willing to risk.
  • Makes people feel valued.
  • Appreciates every contribution and contributor.
  • Believes people want to be great.
  • Sees strength in differences.
  • Solicits other points of view.
  • Models standards espoused.
  • Works to develop talent.
  • Make people feel valued.
  • Creates a place for people to grow.

What other leadership attributes would you add to the list?

SAVE THIS DATE:  MARCH 9, 2011
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern Time (NewYork) -
details to follow
Hope you can be with us for an ONLINE global women's gathering commemorating International Women's Day Centenary Celebration 1911-2011 at our Global Dialogue Center ONLINE CONFERENCE CENTER. Mrs. Frances Hesselbein will be joining me for this personal interactive dialogue with women across the world. Our gift to you (no fees). If you would like to receive a PERSONAL INVITATION, write me here.

Learn more about Frances Hesselbein at our special tribute to her at the Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center.

Warm wishes to you...

Welcome the unexpected.
Look for the uncharted path that bears your name.
Lead the way!
 
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Dk-11-2010-sm

 

 

January 05, 2011 in Books, Current Affairs, Weblogs, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, leadership, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: Love, Respect and Leadership

Dkennedy-RoseColoredGlasses Leading by our example calls on us in ways that go beyond any work role we have day-to-day.

This year, in particular, has brought with it much turmoil and strife, providing a rich number of observations and experiences to begin our own self-examination of lessons learned. If you have been paying attention, we haven't had to look too far to witness displays of some of our most  unattractive human behaviors, like fingerpointing, name-calling, disrespect, disregard for others --- we've seen plenty of examples that draw us back to our most basic beliefs and values for renewal. Whenever I see the "big" examples that make the news, I am reminded that these same struggles hit each of our lives in ways that are sometimes subtle, seemingly small, and under reported or acknowledged. As we look to a new year, it is a great time to re-evalutate our own behavior and actions, asking...What's going well as we work to lead by example? What isn't? and What will I do differently?

Why do we struggle to be loving, accepting, and tolerant of others?

How does this calling reach out to us as leaders?

Personally, after life's missteps, miracles, my share of tragedies, and years of soul-searching, I have come to believe that the most powerful influence of Grace and Good comes from how we live sometimes more than what we say out loud.  For example, I have a friend who is uniquely different in just about every way. We rarely directly talk about our differences, but we have found ways to weave and integrate the good that comes from both our perspectives on life into a meaningful friendship, each growing and changing in our own way, supporting one another.

This morning, I read a passage from Don Miguel Ruiz book, The Four Agreements ...actually I have a little box on my desk with cards in it that have the "pearls and gems" from the book. The four agreements are:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don't take anything personally.
3. Don't make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.

The two cards on top of the deck today came from "Don't make Assumptions"...

"The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth. We make an assumption. We misunderstand. We take it personally, then we react by sending emotional poison with our word. This creates a whole big drama for nothing."

"Real love is accepting other people the way they are without trying to change them..."

What are you willing to do to make yourself and your life a beacon of acceptance for others that may be different from you?

I would like to know what you think.

Warm wishes to you...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Dk-11-2010-sm

 

December 19, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: acceptance, current affairs, debbe kenendy, diversity, don miguel ruiz, four agreements, love, women, women leaders, women's development

WOMEN: Is Negative Thinking Holding You Back?

YES-dkennedy This year, more than many, seems to be calling for inspiration, renewal, and tapping into the value of optimism we need to shape a new future for ourselves, our families, and the world around us. I share this story:

Some years ago, I met a man at a leadership conference. It was one of those wonderful meetings destine to take place, where someone shows up unexpectedly to shine a little Light on your path and is never seen again. One of the gifts he left behind was inspiring me to read Around the Year with Emmet Fox, spiritual teacher and writer of the 20th Century.  He mentioned he read it daily for many years.

So, I bought the book and a decade later, tattered and torn, I still find its offerings come at just the right moment. I've shared it with many friends, who have had the same experience---and I've referred to this cherished book many times in my writing. I wanted to share one of his readings that has always been helpful as I've looked to the future in a new year --- a kind of self-assessment.

Emmet Fox speaks to us this time of year about renewal and also reaches out to help you discover or re-discover MOMENTS of TRUTH about yourself that may be holding you back. One is negative thinking. He writes...

"Your destiny depends entirely upon your own mental conduct. You may think that you know this already, but if you do not act upon it, it is certain that you do not really know it. Most people would be amazed to discover how much negative thinking they indulge in. Thought is so swift and habit is so strong that unless you are very careful you will constantly transgress.

Suppose that you had an invisible recorder on your shoulder tomorrow morning. At the end of the day, suppose that this record were played over to you so that every word you uttered for a whole day was repeated to you. Well, if you are like the average human being you would probably be embarrassed. Yet it really does happen that everything we say and think and do is recorded ---- in the subconscious mind---and our daily experience is simply that record being played over and over to us. Never forget that the circumstances of your life tomorrow are molded by your mental conduct of today."  --- Emmet Fox

Try wearing that invisible recorder for a day or two. It really helps you eliminate that negative self-talk that most of us do unconsciously at least a little bit --- the negative self-talk that just might be holding you back from making your most meaningful contributions in work and life.

Retraining your thinking...
What we THINK, DO, and SAY does matter. One symbol that has helped me keep this TRUTH in my focus came from a gift. Years ago, my mentoring partners presented me with a rock with YES! engraved on it. It sits on my desk. It has helped me PRACTICE the idea that the answers to most questions for me is YES!

Warm wishes to you...
Debbe

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Debbe Kennedy

Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

December 15, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, debbe kennedy, negative thinking, positive thinking, self-helf, women's development, women's leadership

GRATITUDE: Journey to One's Calling

Dkennedy-ROSE-SPIRAL Moments of reflection help us remain GRATEFUL for all lessons learned. One that comes to mind that helped me understand the value of the twists and turns of life was learning that the spiral is the universal symbol for change and evolution. It speaks to coming back again and again to the same place, seeing things in a new light. Isn't this so true...and so needed as work through these times CHALLENGING us to become more in order to seize the OPPORTUNITY awaiting our discovery? When we revisit thoughts, ideas, experiences, both good and even the tragic, we see things with the eye of the growth and change. This happens to me often by consciously keeping this idea of the spiral in mind.

I wanted to share one moment that I've revisited again and again. It seems especially meaningful as we begin reflect on this year and the promise ahead of us:

Some years back, I visited Washington D.C. One of the highlights was an exhibit at the Smithsonian that focused on FAITH. I wrote down a quote displayed in one of the exhibit cabinets. I've carried it with me in the years that followed...and eventually gave it a title. Rev. Dr. Carpenter has no idea of her far-reaching impact and how many times it has helped me make sense of my own journey.

I share it with you for its message (see below) ...and as another small example of how a person unseen can be part of our spiral journey even in the distance. We all can leave a lasting impressions by sharing and showing up in others' lives. As Lao Tzu's wisdom tells us, "Remember influence begins with you and ripples outwards."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Journey to One's Calling
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have draped my windows with faith;

I have carpeted my floor with gratitude;

I have covered my desk with hard work;

I've filled every corner of my room with prayer;

I have laid on the bed of trust,

And I have leaned back in the recliner of self-confidence.

Written by...
Rev. Dr. Dolores Carpenter, Senior Pastor

Michigan Park Christian Church
Washington, D.C.

Where is your journey taken you?

Let yourself fill with GRATITUDE for all of life's twists and turns...
for all the lessons learned. Pass them on.

Warm wishes to you...

Debbe

 

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Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work

November 21, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: career, debbe kennedy, self-help, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: CLAIMING YOUR WINGS

Butterfly-10-7-2010-CAS Again for reasons I can't explain this lesson keeps coming across my path, year-after-year, in my favorite book by Emmet Fox. This time, I was reminded of it when I visited the butterfly exhibit at California Academy of Sciences. The butterflies drew me back to my book and ultimately to share Emmet's story with you again. Each time, I read it, I see something new in it. Emmet Fox's book is one that I've mentioned before many times. I've been reading for about 10 years over and over; its pages worn, tattered and loved. 

The butterfly story also seems so relevant to these times of challenge, change and opportunity. I am thinking maybe you will benefit too, even if you read the story at another time. Amidst the tests and trials and tragedies of our world, RENEWAL is always a personal option. It is available to us at any time. Anne Frank set an example of this human miracle in her famed Diary written in the worst of conditions, influencing generations around the world in the years that followed:

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"
                                                                                         --- Anne Frank

CLAIMING YOUR WINGS
by Emmet Fox

"To me the butterfly teaches the most important lesson that we human beings ever have to learn. You all know his story. He lived what seemed to him a very long time as a worm---what we call the humble caterpillar. Now the life of a caterpillar could be taken as the very type and symbol of restriction. He lives on a green leaf in the forest, and that is about all he knows.

Then one day the little caterpillar finds certain strange stirrings going on within himself. The old green leaf, for some reason, no longer seems sufficient. He becomes moody and discontent. He feels the need for a bigger, finer, and more interesting life. His instinct tells him that where there is true desire there must be fulfillment.

And so the wonderful thing happens: the butterfly emerges beautiful, graceful, now endowed with wings, and instead of crawling about on a restricted leaf, he soars above the trees, above the forest itself---free, unrestricted, his own True Self."

Is it time for you to claim your wings? Perhaps, even reclaim your wings?

If you are at all like me, this may not even be the first time you've claimed them. I find that sometimes I forget I have the option to soar. It is easy to get so entangled in life and work that we forget we have this freedom to rise above whatever our circumstances, choosing our attitude and our direction...deciding for ourselves to be GREAT in our own right.

I leave you to give it some thought as I take off, stretching my wings out to soar again...

Join me?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner - Bronze
Founder, Global Dialogue Center | Home of Women in the Lead

October 11, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, Debbe Kennedy, personal growth, self-help, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: Challenged and Overwhelmed? A Remedy

Fan I woke up today thinking about something I wrote sometime back when I was in an overwhelmed place. Unfortunately, I was so overwhelmed at that moment that I didn't have time to search for it. Somehow, the wisdom in the writing seemed to reach out to me anyway and I made it through all my fear. I FINISHED! The end result was better than I imagined.  Now with the pressure and rush of it all, I decided to find that writing and share it with you. It may be just what you need to finish up your day.

CHALLENGING WEEK by dk
This has been a challenging week with looming deadlines flying at me from many directions --- and it seems many things asking much of me. My mind is FULL and overflowing. I am guessing that some of  you that hover over this blog know this feeling --- if we could talk with one another ---- would be able to share your similar tales too, YES? It would be nice to have that chat today.

Do you ever work so hard or have so many things on your plate that you wish you could just push the RESET BUTTON and start over??? That's where I am today. Now you might be asking, where is the INSPIRATION in this story. Well, it's coming...

As I've been reaching deep inside today for that extra bit of determination to breakthrough, by chance ... a message showed up on my path. As I was looking through some old writings, I came across a quote from Lao Tzu. Here is the INSPIRATION...

Learn to unclutter your mind.
Learn to simplify your work.
As you rely less and less on knowing just what to do,
your work will become more direct and more powerful.
You will discover that the quality of your consciousness is
more potent than any technique or theory or interpretation.
Learn how fruitful the blocked group or individual suddenly
becomes when you give up trying to do just the right thing.

--- Lao Tzu    a favorite Lao Tzu leadership book (by John Heider)

With that INSPIRATION of timeless wisdom, I am allowing my burdens to lift. All that is needed will emerge from the mind that is uncluttered. How about YOU?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner - Bronze
Founder, Global Dialogue Center | Home of Women in the Lead

September 30, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, leadership, wisdom, women's development, women's leadership

Powerful, Focused, Highly Intentional Living

What does life look and feel like when you are living with highly intentionally with focus and power? Today we read so much about conscious living that the opportunity to look closely at these issues are readily available and provide us with insights that can totally change the quality of our lives. The world has caught on to the idea that when we choose to live with clear intention and place our focus on this intention our sense of power and overall quality of life excel. What are the aspects of intentional living that we need to incorporate into our lives or be aware of on a daily basis? Intentional living begins with a connection to ourselves, our inner voice and our sense of knowing on a daily basis. From this place of clarity and listening we begin to envision or become clear about what we want to create, be or contribute in a given day. This leads to a sense of focus and intention that allows us to both measure consciously the things that make up our days and lives, as well as to make choices to refine and improve the way we live. We often get a feeling that we are living our lives aligned with the things we love or not. We often get signs or hunches that lead us to information or help us clarify feelings. These are gifts and guides that we need to listen to daily. I suggest having time in the morning in quiet or in contemplation to review what the day could ideally hold. I have just started to look at some of the simple beginnings to creating a highly intentional, focused and powerful life. So many different components including deep inner connection, a clear sense of how we want to live our life (in all areas), a clear sense of what power and contribution meant to us – as they serve as driving forces and give us motivation to design an amazing life. This month we are going to look more closely at highly intentional living as I believe that many of us are clear that this is the only way to live. On September 22 at noon PST, we will be exploring this topic in The Essential Feminine™ Living Room and during the month of September we will be looking at the different components of an intentional life in our weekly blog. Stay tuned and join us in the Living Room. Please register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/861842960. Maureen Simon “Designing Business & Lives" Co-Contributor [email protected] http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon www.theessentialfeminine.com Join our Facebook Group "Women Influencing Now" [email protected]

September 13, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

WOMEN: The Art of Great Presentations

IStock_000011454284XSmall[1]-dkennedy-sm I look back fondly at my first career with IBM. The whole wonderful experience, spanning 20+ years was a developmental leadership laboratory to learn skills that invited new opportunities and would later shape my contributions as a business owner, pioneer of virtual space, and author. One valuable lesson was learning to find my own unique style as a speaker and presenter. At the time, women were scarce in leadership roles and a man's approach ... a joke, taking off their coats, loosening their ties, putting their hands in their pockets, and sitting backwards chair to look really cool ... somehow just didn't fit me.

At an IBM management conference one time, I heard James Humes, a presidential speech writer, speak. He did his quite-famous impersonation of Winston Churchill, teaching us Churchill's five elements of great oratory. I identified with Churchill so much. I felt limited as a woman speaker. My voice was soft. I found the mostly male audiences (a reality at that time) quite intimidating. His story inspired me. He had to overcome a number of his own limitations to become one of the greatest speakers of the Twentieth Century. His simple principles became the yardstick for not only putting my own signature on presenting ideas, but also later became a tool for helping other leaders find their unique voice and be great in their own right. I hope they will also find his thinking a helpful tool:

WINSTON CHURCHILL'S FIVE ELEMENTS FOR A PRESENTATION

1. Create a strong beginning to ignite interest.

2. Use simple language. No big words. No pretense.

3. Maintain one focused theme for your message.

4. Incorporate analogies that bring your points to life.

5. Close with an appeal to the human emotion. This doesn't mean crying or big
    time drama.
It means making sure you strike a chord that reaches each
    person in a meaningful way.

With these five elements applied to your presentations, you will be well on your way to ensuring you get your point across in your own style of beauty.

"Communication is not saying something. COMMUNICATION is being HEARD."
--- Frances Hesselbein, founding President and CEO, Leader to Leader Institute
(formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management)

Are you launching a new product, service, initiative or perhaps a reinvented YOU? Join me and futurist Joel Barker on Thursday, September 16 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Time (New York) for a world-class, interactive, professional development webinar at the Global Dialogue Center. Learn more: http://www.howtogetbuyinfornewideas.com

Watch (and listen) to this video overview!  

Learn more and register to join Joel and I ONLINE Thursday, September 16:  http://www.howtogetbuyinfornewideas.com

Warm regards...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
**2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner - Bronze**
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
| Home of Women in the Lead

 

Learn more about James Humes. CSPAN Booknotes Interview - James Humes

September 05, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: innovation, joel barker, leadership development, professional development, webinars, women's development, women's leadership

Inner Life, Outer Success

IMG_3067-contemplation
Did you ever wonder how outer success comes about?  You may remember last month we focused our blogs and The Essential Feminine Living Room on the topic of Feminine Abundance.  This month we are turning our attention to how our inner life informs and supplies our outer life.  When we say inner life, we understand that this can mean different things to different people, cultures, and ways of life.  No matter where you are or what you believe there is a universal truth that when we connect to our visions, intentions and deepest desires from a place of quiet, stillness and inner reflection the outcome is more balanced, harmonious and often more successful.
Traditions around the globe have valued the art of contemplation for thousands of years.  For when we have the ability to connect in, listen from within and lead and live from within riches abound.  The idea that quieting the mind leads to a quiet and replenished central nervous system has been proven time and time again from scientific research on meditation to the hundreds and thousands of people now prioritizing a practice of contemplation and stillness in their lives.  There is a great interest in stillness and in developing our inner connection because the world has become fast and for many, out of control.  The respite of a practice that guides us to connect deep within our self informs our sense of surety when we are making decisions as our level of clarity is greatly increased.
Do you have a practice for contemplation through your faith, personal inquiry or community?  Can it be richer, more committed, more focused?  Do you need support in beginning or creating a deeper, richer practice?  If so, you are in luck.  This month we will be discussing our inner life and outer success and on August 25th we will be joined in The Essential Feminine Company’s Living Room by Camille Maurine, a renowned teacher and author of a fabulous book entitled “Meditation For Women”.  I have known Camille for many years and have had the pleasure of facilitating women’s groups with her in Los Angeles.  She will show you simplistic ways to practice, still the mind and open new opportunities for you throughout the day.  She’s a master and lots of fun.  Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at noon PST. By registering at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/987535361
Maureen Simon 
Co-Contributor 
Create Your Blueprint for 2010
[email protected]
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon
www.theessentialfeminine.com
Join our Facebook Group "Women Influencing Now"  
[email protected]

August 22, 2010 in Weblogs, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: Awakening The Essential Feminine, Empowering Women, Meditation for Women

WOMEN: See Your Own POTENTIAL Rumi Tells Us

IStock_000005206006XSmall[1]er I came across this writing from sometime back...it was a perfect message for me as I reflect on a busy week now behind me...hope it will be for you too:

Sometimes a simple message comes when you need it most. I've studied the 13th Century mystic Persian poet and philosopher, Rumi for years. Long ago, my brother gave me two volumes of Rumi's work translated in 1930. I learned he had passed on a treasure to me. It was the beginning of my love of Rumi's timeless thinking. 

On a stressful day, one of his messages spoke to me. Just 15 words that held the power of the future here and now:

"You are a RUBY embedded in granite. How long will you pretend it isn't true?

First, it was the word RUBY that caught me. I am a Cancer-girl; my birthstone is RUBY. I've loved the sound of the word. Then the message I heard from Rumi was I am a unique precious gemstone surrounded by the safety of God. It was meant for me that day. I wasn't feeling precious or anything like a gemstone. I was too busy for almost anything. I felt alone and overwhelmed. 
Ever had one of those days?

I found this new picture of the rough cut Ruby crystal. It is more like me than the sparkling cut version. It seemed to reflect the unfinished truth of a work-in-progress. All natural rubies have imperfections. Me too. :-)

How about you? 

Do you see your own POTENTIAL? 
...or have you been to busy too notice?

Warm regards...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner - Bronze
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
| Home of Women in the Lead


Fb-exhibit-icon

Now showing...
ONLINE at the Global Dialogue Center's
KNOWLEDGE GALLERY and
WOMEN's GALLERY
Visit now



July 03, 2010 in Books, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, Rumi poetry, women's development, women's leadership

LEADERSHIP WISDOM: The Art of Carrying a BIG BASKET

IStock_000013048225XSmall[1]-sm One of my favorite stories comes from a remarkable leadership role model, teacher, and friend, Frances Hesselbein, founding President and CEO of the Leader to Leader Institute in New York (formerly known as the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management). She has many inspiring achievements you should know about. Read BIO. This special story I have on my mind has a meaningful leadership lesson. I've heard her tell the story a number of times. The lesson that she shares is one that all of us can learn from and apply wherever we are. Here is an excerpt paraphrased in part from Mrs. Hesselbein's personal 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, gifts, and offerings that are in front of us every day, being sure we are filling up our big baskets and taking everything in them home with us.

Special Preview...
We have a wonderful new exhibit just opening, being showcased at our KNOWLEDGE GALLERY and WOMEN's GALLERY at the Global Dialogue Center --- LEADERSHIP by Example: A Tribute to Frances Hesselbein. You won't want to miss it! Hold this DATE...we are also announcing an ONLINE DIALOGUE with Mrs. Hesselbein that will be held on TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2010 at our Global Dialogue Center CONFERENCE CENTER. More to come!

What lessons will you take home today?

Debbe

Dk-smDebbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training

 

June 30, 2010 in Books, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, Debbe Kennedy, inspiration, leadership, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: As we THINK, so we are

IStock_dkennedy-forward-looking In the presence of many difficulties on many fronts, it's essential for us to remember just how important it is to keep a positive vision of our future. I always remember in Viktor Frankl's classic book, Man's Search for Meaning, he documented how those who survived the Holocaust were people who envisioned that they had something significant left to contribute. Over the years, I've witnessed and experienced how this positive belief works. I've been fortunate to know some courageous souls, who have transcended seemingly impossible obstacles to achieve and contribute in ways others never believed they could. Blessings flow! I also admit, I personally was influenced by Joel Barker's video, THE POWER of VISION video. There is an inspiring video clipfrom the film at the Global Dialogue Center Knowledge Galleryexhibit on Viktor Frankl.

Also, in most of the wisdom traditions, I've discovered that some version of this truth is taught in some way --- as we THINK, so we become. Our thoughts are powerful. What we occupy our minds with matters. This means the choices we make and the way we approach shaping our future, even from the worst of circumstances, can be greatly influenced by our thoughts.

It's often called the "Law of Attraction." My introduction to this principle came from a number of sources --- my mom, my spiritual practice, and my life. Two of my favorite writers on the subject were found by chance as they wrote in the first half of the 20th Century, long before me. They both carry wisdom and many fingerprints --- proving again that wisdom is knowledge with a long self-life, as friend and scholar told me once.

Earlier this year, I was again reminded about the Law of Attraction in a reading from one of my cherished books, Around the Year with Emmet Fox. Here is what it has to say about planting seeds through our thinking. Each year, when I read it again, its meaning is deepened:

"As soon as the subconscious mind accepts any idea, it immediately begins trying to put it into effect. It uses all its resources to that end. It uses every bit of knowledge that you have ever collected, most of which you have totally forgotten, to bring about its purpose. It mobilizes the many mental powers that you possess, most of which you never consciously use. It draws on the unlimited energy of the mind. It lines up all the laws of nature as they operate both inside and outside of you, to get its way.

Sometimes it succeeds in its purpose immediately. Sometimes it takes a little time, sometimes it takes a long time; but if the things is not utterly impossible, the subconscious will bring it about---once it accepts the idea.

The law is good for both good and bad ideas."  What we think about does matter; think good thoughts.

Going After Your HEART's DESIRE...
You may be familiar with this process and not even know it. Have you ever had a "heart's desire"? --- one you had no way of fulfilling, but you were sure that you would?--- deep inside you knew you were going to get that job, marry that person, get into that school, have a life that was full and happy? All these realities began with a Thought. I've also experienced the result of negative thoughts too, haven't you?---when I've let my fear and disbelief take over, ever so subtly, leading to disappointments and sadness.

Claude Bristol, author of The Magic of Believing, tells how Theodore Simon Jouffroy, the French philosopher once said, "The Subconscious Mind will not take the trouble to work for those who do not believe in it."  He goes on to give us the recipe that we have to think of ourselves as being successful---envisioning ourselves fulfilling our heart's desire:

"...it must be in the spirit that the work has already been done. ...while it is necessary for you to feel and think yourself successful, it is important for you to go one step further and actually see yourself as already success, either in the performance of some selected task or as actually occupying the position to which you are aspiring.  For the next and final step, you must wait patiently while the subconscious is assimilating the elements of your problem and then goes about is own way to work it out for you."

Over the years, I found this process of positive thinking very productive in shaping the future --- it works for individuals, for communities, for nations, and the world too! Right now, with so many situations in crisis, we need to keep ourselves focused on a positive vision of our future. Let the reminder inspire you... My long time colleague, Joel Barker left a lasting impression when he said, "You can and should shape your future. If you don't someone else surely will." --- Joel A. Barker.

How about you? Are you willing to give it a try---to go one that step further?

Warm regards...

Debbe

Dk-smDebbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training

June 25, 2010 in Books, Current Affairs, Religion, Women's Development, Women's Leadership | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: debbe kennedy, positive thinking, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: Re-Cyclying EARLY COURAGE

COURAGE-RECYCLED-big
One would never know by looking at them that these Alice in Wonderland-sized papier-mâché fruit carry a powerful story with them about the COURAGE to CHANGE. The story starts a very long time ago.

I had seen some papier-mâché fruit in a very upscale French country home shop in San Francisco years ago. What I remember most was really liking them and being totally stunned that each piece cost over $200. Imagine that? Funny, I never forgot them for reasons I can't explain.

Fast forward...The Back Story
This year, my business partner and BFF and I are celebrating amazingly our 20th year in business. Sally and I have been friends since high school. What we didn't imagine at the time was that a bold leap of FAITH so many years ago would lead to this celebration. Back then, we were two women going through rough divorces. We remember making a very conscious decision: To limit our time in court rooms and instead to focus on  healing ourselves through achievement.

We started a business no one believed would work. Sally was an accomplished graphic artist/fine artist with a 12-year business and I had a successful leadership career with IBM backing me. We put this odd pairing of skills together, which gave us a little specialty --- independently, we were pretty good, but when we worked together, we could do extraordinary things neither of us could do alone. A series of small miracles followed and we landed a few great customers. We've always known that God blessed our leaps of Faith at every turn. He provided everything we needed...a special kind of abundance we never imagined would be possible.

I know, I know --- what does this have to do with the Alice in Wonderland-sized papier-mâché fruit? Well, to commemorate our 20th year, we decided to CLEAR OUT and CLEAN OUT our business stuff. This required huge amounts of shredding of early business papers --- imagine gigantic bags full of early courage. It was fun to reflect on all the hard work we had done in those trailblazing days, years ago.

Dreams Do Come TRUE...
After hearing me tell the story of the upscale French papier-mâché fruit probably dozens of times over the years, Sally took some of the shredded paper from our early work and made me my very own set of fruit. It is of course, far bigger and better. Like Alice in Wonderland, their size reflects our growth --- --- and they permanently hold the story of having the COURAGE to CHANGE our lives and start a business no else believed in.

How about you?
What EARLY COURAGE can you draw upon to celebrate and build a new sense of momentum in your life and work?  Achievement is a personal and reflective moment in time and always a place for us to learn something real and true about ourselves. In my book, I wrote this about the experience:

"Arriving at the milestone of achievement—even a seemingly small one—has its momentary parallels to standing on top of the mountain that took you to a new pinnacle of personal attainment. There is no band playing. It’s just you—often exhausted from the climb, perhaps banged up a bit from slipping on the rocks a few times, but elated as you take the magnificent view and yelp inside, “Yes!” If you know this moment, feel blessed..."


"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, BEGIN IT!
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

-- Goethe

Warm regards,
Debbe

Dk-smDebbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training

June 22, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: careers, debbe kennedy, inspiration, success stories, women's development, women's leadership

WOMEN: How to Stay POSITIVE

IStock_000011147434XSmall-smOptimism is a wonderful quality to have during hard times. It helps you transcend whatever happens. It ignites HOPE inside. It helps you create and hold a new VISION.

I credit my mother for teaching us about being POSITIVE. She seemed to demand it and always helped us see the most difficult situations in a positive, optimist way. One time, while suffering with a broken heart, I remember her coming into my room the 2nd morning after my tragedy. She flew in, opened the windows to let the sunshine in, saying...
"Okay, you have cried over him long enough. You need to get up and seize this day. It is waiting for you! I didn't like it a bit at the time :-), but it left a lasting imprint, because it was in that moment --- that positive action step --- that a new day could begin to be envisioned and accomplished. Healing could begin. I've always been grateful.

Carol King said it nicely in her enduring song...BEAUTIFUL!  "You got to get up every morning, with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart..."

Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, author of national bestseller, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life, affirms from his studies that being optimistic can keep us from depression, improve health, and when combined with our talent and heart's desire, optimism can be a supportive force to enable achievement.

Every once in a while someone comes along to help you REFRESH your perspective on it means to be positve --- to live with a sense of OPTIMISM. A dear friend shared this one with me. The little girl in the video below is an unexpected teacher, but by her example, she demonstrates how to stay positive. So cute!



“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”
  -- Peace Pilgrim

Warm regards to all who stop by... Think the good thoughts!

Debbe

Dk-smDebbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training

June 06, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, debbe kennedy, inspiration, optimism, positive thinking, women's devlopment, women's leadership

WOMEN's WISDOM: Asking MORE QUESTIONS

IStock_000012943787XSmall-sm Recently, my dearest life-long friend, Sally and I discussed how much we wished we had asked MORE QUESTIONS of our mothers and aunties and other women of influence in our lives. Looking back, we realize now that we were so busy creating our own lives, struggling through the daily ones and twos of finding our own ways and raising children that it never crossed our minds. While dealing with our own doses of life's sorrows, missteps, miracles, and milestones, somehow we missed looking too far outside ourselves to discover much about these women, who each left their unique and enduring imprint on our lives. We concluded that it wasn't that we didn't notice them or care about them. We just didn't have a well-developed curiosity to ask questions, when we were overwhelmed with the questions life was asking us at the time.
Can you relate?

I suppose coming to this realization makes you more conscious of others. It builds up a genuine curiosity for discovering little bits of WISDOM you never intentionally overlooked from lives well-lived. In the process, you find out there is so much to learn from one another about beauty and grace --- and it seems to put many things in perspective.

Interestingly, not long after our discussion, a lovely project fell into our path through another friend --- The Beauty of Aging. The one-hour documentary film is one that honors women over 80 years old. In just viewing the trailer, it shows how becoming a wise elder has a beauty that cannot be denied. The inspiring stories these women tell can help us all learn about beauty and grace from the inside out.

The Beauty of Aging
by Laura Schur and Lisa Thompson 

The website has seven inspiring video stories of these remarkable women to sample.
http://www.beautyofaging.com/the-women.html

Beauty of Aging








A
FEW PERSONAL THOUGHTS ...
From the time I was in my early twenties, I've always been drawn to WISDOM. I keep learning, it is all around us and that by developing an interest in what others have to tell us, we learn about ourselves. It is still another validation of the power of putting our differences to work. As I've worked with women around the world, I've found they more naturally appear to inquire --- to be seekers wisdom --- to have a curiosity about accomplished women and learning from them. It serves as a role model or perhaps a "yardstick" for self-examination. At all ages, we have much to learn from one another, if we ask MORE QUESTIONS and are open to receive the answers.

There are two ways of spreading Light ...
To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.

--- Edith Wharton
Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist

I still wished I'd asked MORE QUESTIONS, but perhaps the answers missed come through the a genuine interest in others that cross our paths in the present, across generations and cultures.

What do you think?

Warmest regards,

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
Author, Putting Our Differences to Work
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - HR and Employee Training

May 20, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, debbe kennedy, film, women, women's development, women's leadership, women's wisdom

RENEWAL: Looking Back; Moving Forward

IStock_000002227786Small RENEWAL has been on my mind. How about you? Each time, I arrive here, it always brings me back to Nelson Mandela's personal reflection: "There are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment to rest here, to look back on the distance I have come... I dare not linger, for my long walk has not yet ended."  Recently, I learned that the Bird of Paradise is called Mandela's Gold" in South Africa. It seems a perfect symbol for renewal.

I love knowing the wonderful sense of rebirth is in pursuit of my attention once again. For me, this ongoing process always begins with self-examination. What's going well? What's been achieved? What needs my dedicated focus? What dreams do I want to capture? How will I align my intentions, behavior, actions to get there?

PLANS THAT DELIVER RESULTS
I'm not one for big complex plans. I do like to DREAM BIG, but generally, I think plans work best when they are built to achieve RESULTS. Results builds momentum. So my method is to set 3-5 specific goal-directed actions at a time. When I get them accomplished, then I plan 3-5 more. Actually, I strive to do this in a smaller way as a daily practice. WHY? Well, if you accomplish 3-5 goal-directed actions per day, it equals 21-35 actions accomplished in a week. At the end of the year, you end up with an encouraging stack of achievements and often a few dreams captured! With regular practice, getting things done becomes a discipline---one you've shaped by your own intention and follow-through. Not bad qualities to develop as a leader.

EmilyduncanLEARNING FROM OTHERS
Another source of renewal and motivation for me comes from learning from others ---- where their journeys have taken them; what they have learned along the way.  A few years ago, I spent a wonderful morning with Emily Duncan, trailblazer, wife, big sister, hiker and at the time Vice President of Culture and Diversity for Hewlett Packard worldwide. I was Blessed to work together with Emily for well over a decade as a strategic partner and in the process, we also became friends. I re-listened to our interview today. It's messages seem timeless.

Today, through her own renewal, Emily has been reinventing her life after retiring from HP celebrating a remarkable career with many achievements under her leadership. She serves as Chair for the Human Relations Commission for the City where she lives and branching out in other ways to use her leadership skills to serve the community. I invite you to listen to her inspiring message and insights as an accomplished leader. Click here and scroll down to "Looking Back; Looking Forward: A Woman's Journey." Be sure to look at the "visual preview" at the top of the page. It has pictures and some of the key points that she shares with us all.

Come back and share your thoughts about the interview.

ALSO...Do you have any learnings to pass along from your journey?
What plans do you have for your renewal?

Warm regards to all who stop by...

Debbe

Dk-MAY2010-2-smDebbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
Bronze - 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner
Human Resources and Employee Training

Visit us at Women in the Lead

 

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May 18, 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tags: books, debbe kennedy, leadership, self-help, women's development, women's leadership

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