Women in the LEAD

WOMEN: The Power of Connection and Conversation

I've been reading a great deal about communities and consequently, found myself bumping into more and more examples that affirm its value. It has reminded me how much we enjoy right here on this blog with all of you and how important it is for us as people to be connected in some way. In Angeles Arrien's book, Signs of Life, she explains that the square universally symbolizes stability, solidity, and security. These attributes are present when we aren't alone and isolated from one another. This Buddhist saying reminds us of this truth also:

"When a tree grows by itself it spread out, but does not grow tall. When trees grow together in the forest, they help push each other up towards the sun."
--- Buddhist Monastic Saying 

In our recent online dialogue, "A Women's Leadership Gathering," we talked about the strength we found in being with others and how it sometimes meant being willing to reach out to make the first connection versus waiting to be discovered. We captured a summary of our amazing day of conversation. There was something very special that happened when we put our differences to work across time, culture, and distance. Click on the following link to see a visual summary of our amazing day of connection. www.globaldialoguecenter.com/WG-Reflections.pdf

What are your thoughts on the power of connection and conversation?
What has been your experience?
What lessons have you learned?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work (May 2008)
Learn more: www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

The Nature of the Creative Being

“The creative individual not only respects the irrational in himself, but courts the most promising source of novelty in his own thoughts…The creative person is both more primitive and more cultured, more destructive and more constructive, crazier and saner, than the average person.”

                                                                                                --- Frank Barron

Creative tension is fed by extremes.  Creativity feeds on tension and grows in chaos.  Often a creative person will be labeled eccentric or wildly over the top.  What is it that brings one to such a free level of self-expression?  Does the extremes that one experiences form the creative fire? Historically over time we have always looked to our artists, musicians, poets and authors with a sense of curiosity and awe.  In truth, we all hold creativity at the core of our being.  When our creativity is fully expressed our lives are richer.

Notice where your creativity comes alive in your life.  You may be surprised; it could be in the way you communicate, provide care or express a fine art.  Give yourself credit, feed your creativity, allow it to fully come to life. 

                                                                                                         Maureen Simon

WOMEN: Keeping Your Vision Bright

Maureen's post about changing perspectives reminded me of one small way I keep my vision bright by planting small "seeds of hope" and treating the best ones with a special honoring.

I have a tiny red silk bag that I carry with me. The little purse holds my most treasured fortune cookie messages. I only save the best-of-the-best and usually mark them on the back with the date if I can find a pen. It doesn't get much ceremony or carry any clout in making "dreams come true" particularly, but I can't deny that its influence has given me special moments of focus on good things that are to come.

A few times, they have been the source of a great conversation with others, but most of the time, they have just stayed with me. I do read through them occasionally, always surprised to see the good that has come my way just as they envisioned for me...or was it that they helped me envision great things for myself?

This is the newest one to my collection...and now I pass it on to you.

"There is a prospect of a thrilling time ahead for you."

My mind fills with possibilities. What do you see for yourself?

What role does vision play in your life?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Home of Women in the Lead

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ May 2008 – Hardcover
Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

Changing Perspectives

In the daily grind of life, we often get caught up in the details.  As we focus down on the details, we tend to lose sight of what’s really important.  Life then become tedious – a drag and something to overcome or procrastinate about.  We can, instead of changing our tasks, change our perspective.  If we have a bigger goal or purpose in our life, the “tedious’’ things will not faze us; they are just stepping stones on the way to our goals.   These stepping stones become things we use to stay in motion around our main goal in life.

Judie Fouchaux

Life is more than the small details that stop us from living fully. We are part of a much bigger picture -purpose. Don't sweat the small stuff. Remember your values, vision dreams and greater purpose.

Maureen Simon

WOMEN: Rebirth and Renewal

I always love the renewal of this time of year. It as been particularly meaningful to me at this time as I feel I am admidst a great transition --- growing, letting go, renewing. Several events took place yesterday to remind of the dying out of one moment and the rebirth of another.

First, I woke up yesterday to find the daffodils on my kitchen counter had blossomed. I noted there was a paper-thin brown casing that once held the bud, falling away, dropping off, some falling off...while the flower came forth in its grand show of new greatness.

Then, I found a quote a friend had given me. "You can fly, but the cocoon's got to go!"

In a spontaneous moment, I ended up at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco for The Great Vigil of Easter last night. When I opened the program at the top it also spoke of still another kind of rebirth and renewal that applies across all the spiritual traditions...

• Be forgiven.

• Forgive someone else.

• Roll back the stone in your heart.

• Turn your heart of stone into a heart of love.

• Run out into the world and change it

• With joy and the wind at your back.

What signs to you see of renewal and rebirth?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Home of Women in the Lead

new book!
Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership and High Performance
by Debbe Kennedy ▪ Berrett-Koehler ▪ May 2008 – Hardcover
Foreword by Joel A. Barker, futurist, filmmaker and author
Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com

Women Have A Long Way To Go In Afghanistan

In my country, Afghanistan, women are always marching and protesting for their rights. Unfortunately, the politicians never listen to them nor give them any benefit…
The few Afghanistani women who got the opportunity to serve in a high position of the new Government soon became involved in oppositional political games rather than working for women.
The Afghanistan government failed to stop the crimes against women, instead there are many criminals who have been hired in different positions.
Afghanistani women are again left to the injustice of cruel husbands, child-marriage and women trafficking. Men still have the power to do anything to their wives such as torturing and killings. There are hundreds of women being shot to death…according to the Afghanistan Human Right commission.

Mohammed Khairy laments,

Having read Mohammed’s blog, I have been reminded that the women of Afghanistan have a long road ahead of them before they reach dignity and freedom.  Many of us take our basic human rights and freedom for granted.  It is so important to remember our sisters around the world during this important month  -- International Women’s Month.  Take a moment to research a country outside of your world and observe what rights women actually have.  It’s important for us to support each other.  The world is getting smaller and smaller.  Is there anything that you can do to support a sister afar. 

Maureen Simon

Creative Expectation Brings Healing and Renewal

Creative Expectation Brings Healing and Renewal

“Negative introspection damages the soul. It holds many people trapped for years and years, and ironically, it never allows them to change…We all have wounds; we need to attend to them and allow them to heal…If we approach our hurt indirectly and kindly, it will heal.  Creative expectation brings you healing and renewal.  If you could trust your soul, you would receive every blessing you require…If we live everything, life will be faithful to us.”

                                                                                    John O’Donohue  “Anan Cara”

Research has shown that the healing process is better served when supported by positive thinking.  John O’Donohue suggests that we should trust our soul to work silently in the “night- side” and blessings will follow.  While this is a good idea, wouldn’t it be to our advantage to support the process in the “day-side of our life as well.  How can we do this?  I would suggest developing an awareness of our thoughts and preconceptions. “What are the thoughts that you carry into the night as you close your eyes to rest?  What does the day that follows look like?  Is there a relationship between these two?  Noticing our preconceptions and questioning them may lead us to self-discovery and a greater understanding of our lives.

Maureen Simon

WOMEN: Rediscovering MEANING in Our Work and Life

The topic of MEANING has been in my thoughts recently for a variety of reasons. I guess in times of turmoil, overload and stress, questions emerge about the meaning of it all. It is at times like this when I find myself longing to self-examine --- to rethink, re-evaluate, re-look, revisit, refresh ---- to breakthrough the bounds of old thinking, to breakthrough all that seems piled up at the moment, to once again be free to BEGIN AGAIN...treat myself to a FRESH START.

How about you?

In a favorite book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts Viktor Frankl Principles for Discovering Meaning in Life and Work, Dr. Alex Pattakos shares from his personal journey that "Viktor Frankl's deep belief in the inherent meaning of life that has steadily and informed and inspired me, leading me deeper into my life path, deeper into authentic meaning." I want this sense renewed, don't you? He explains, "When we see our work as expressions of our bodies, minds, and spirits, we honor our inner lives as well as our connectedness to others and the outside world. Meaning is everywhere. This is true whether we drive a bus or run a corporation."

Moments of Insight at the Global Dialogue Center
with Dr. Alex Pattakos
This is a mini-podcast series is about Discovering Deeper Meaning
These six short format development sessions will give you a fresh start in life and work.

What do you find MOST meaningful in your life and work?

I would love to hear from you.

Best...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Home of Women in the Lead

Handling Stress

“Here’s a two-step formula for handling stress.  Step 1: Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Step 2:  Remember, it’s all small stuff.

                                                                                    --- Anthony Robbins

So what does that leave us with.  Not much to worry about.  Stress is permeating our cultures and diverting us from the full expression of our creativity.  Why empower it?

§         What in your life is giving you the most stress in the moment?

§         How could you view the stress or what could you do differently to “not sweat it”

§         When you release the stress, how will your life be different?

Maureen Simon

WOMEN: When we gather...

Today, I opened Turning to One Another by Margaret Wheatley. Like magic I found a page that had this statement:

"Conversation is the natural way we humans think together."

This truth came to life across time, distance, and differences last Friday at "A Women's Leadership Gathering" at the Global Dialogue Center Online Conference Center, celebrating International Women's Day. It was a first time happening of its kind for us. I think we made history --- at least for most of us. 121 women from 13 countries put their fingerprint on this idea in some way. I suppose what was most moving is how we filled a "day of conversation" when we actually arrived --- 8 hours --- of listening to each other's stories and being together. Most of us were strangers in the distance meeting on common ground to explore what we've learned as leaders in our work, community, or in our families --- tapping into missteps, milestones, and miracles in our journeys. We also talked about big changes, fears, and vision. After looking within, we explored how we could translate our goodness into changing the world in our unique ways. We learned that it was important to come out of isolation---to be bridge builders, look for ways to make connections, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

I had the honor of seeding the first conversation with one of my favorite stories. I wrote about it recently in my post WOMEN's LEADERSHIP: Carrying a Big Basket. It be came clear that our virtual space was filled with big baskets everywhere with women, longing to take something meaningful home. We did! 

What has been most fascinating is trying to express what happened at the gathering is a bit like describing a sunset or the colors of a rainbow. The words seem hollow. Women who attended are still feeling it --- remembering it too --- because they have written, attempting to give us all a glimpse.

"I feel we are in the dawn of a new day in so many ways - green movement, politics, etc. This is timely and perfect. You can tell because it flowed so effortlessly. I'm thrilled to have been a part of today."
--- Dorothy

"Thanks again for a very interesting, satisfying day."
--- Carole

"I am so glad to have celebrated this women's day with all of you in such a special way! I want to say, all of you brought me into a new world, full of vision and passion, wisdom and philanthropy."
---Xuan

MORE REFLECTIONS (PDF)

One of the highlights of our day was having live illustration of what we were saying. Nancy Margulies, well-known as the "godmother of graphic recording" spent the day with us and at the perfect places captured the special moments and highlights of our stories. As I was closing up our day of conversation, she illustrated what I said as I shared a few thoughts from the day and told a story of how whenever I "fly" to up into virtual space, I always see myself in a little "space capsule" being lift to some wonderful place in my global neighborhood to be with others. Our women's gathering was truly a manifestation of that dream. (Click on the image to see it larger).

If you came to A Women's Leadership Gathering would love to know what stayed with you.

We will mark this day in history in some other ways here shortly to share more. Also, soon we will have another gathering... Hope you can be with us. Join our mailing list at the Global Dialogue Center to be invited.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work (May 2008)
www.puttingourdifferencestowork.com