WOMEN: LEADERSHIP is How TO BE

"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

 

 

Comments

[Lead Answer @ answering]

They are the leaders and whatever they do , that's for their and their people . They never think about the mankind that how much they are suffering , killing would be never be worse then now going on.

http://www.leadanswer.com/testimonials.htm

[Peninnah]

Thanks a great deal for sharing the leadership attributes. I feel quite inspired