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
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
** 2010 Axiom Business Book Award Winner**
Bronze - Human Resources and Employee Training
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