Women in the LEAD

WOMEN: Leadership Lessons from Rosa Parks

 

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.

"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

Debbe Kennedy

Founder, Global Dialogue Center
 
Home of  

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

  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

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

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).

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

WOMEN: As we THINK, so we are

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

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

WOMEN: Letting Your Light Shine

I would guess if we sat down together, we would discover that most of us have longed at one time or another for acceptance, struggling to overcome the fear of what others think of us. I think this is a pretty common experience for most women ---- and perhaps men too.

One time, a mentoring partner gave me a book and tape called The Simple Path by Mother Teresa. One of my favorite messages in the book has helped me out many times when a wave of doubt caught me by surprise. I share it with you...

Deliver me, from the desire of...
being loved.
being extolled.
being honored.
being praised.
being preferred.
being approved.
being popular.

Deliver me from the fear of ...
being despised.
suffering rebukes.
being forgotten.
being wronged
being ridiculed.
being humiliated.
being suspected.

Interestingly, when you can let go of these longings and fears --- reaching inward, reaching out, reaching HIGHER, your life and work are opened to flow from the heart as intended. Good follows good. When our intentions are clouded by self-interests, it makes it difficult to let our Light shine.

Today, in a conversation with pianist and music educator, Jessica Roemischer, I was reminded of how quickly we can reach self-acceptance. As we talked, I remembered the miracle that takes place when she works with her students --- in just a few minutes, in a welcoming environment of belief and possibility, they reach inside to discover their own brand of greatness. Notice I didn't say hours or months of grueling work ... in just minutes, when we decide, the transformation can begin to take place. I, too, have witnessed this happen in my own work with dialogue across the world. It is a miracle available for all of us. Something magical happens when we have the opportunity to dwell in Possibility. 

Have you had this experience yourself?

If not, and it seems far-fetched, I encourage you to inspire yourself by visiting Jessica's moving exhibit at our Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center. It pays tribute to her remarkable work, showing us the transformative power of music ...and the heart. We named the exhibit "DIFFERENCES in DUET." It features a beautiful self-learning visual exhibit, music, videos to watch, my personal interview with her, and links to her website and other resources. Be sure to put your headset on and let her amazing rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star" guide you as you explore all the exhibit has to offer.

As I finish this, I keep thinking of my favorite childhood song, this little Light of mine, I'm going to let it Shine. Spring is a great time for this kind of renewal.

Warm regards to all who stop by...

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

I would guess if we sat down together, we would discover that most of us have longed at one time or another for acceptance, struggling to overcome the fear of what others think of us. I think this is a pretty common experience for most women ---- and perhaps men too.

One time, a mentoring partner gave me a book and tape called The Simple Path by Mother Teresa. One of my favorite messages in the book has helped me out many times when a wave of doubt caught me by surprise. I share it with you...

Deliver me, from the desire of...
being loved.
being extolled.
being honored.
being praised.
being preferred.
being approved.
being popular.

Deliver me from the fear of ...
being despised.
suffering rebukes.
being forgotten.
being wronged
being ridiculed.
being humiliated.
being suspected.

Interestingly, when you can let go of these longings and fears --- reaching inward, reaching out, reaching HIGHER, your life and work are opened to flow from the heart as intended. Good follows good. When our intentions are clouded by self-interests, it makes it difficult to let our Light shine.

Today, in a conversation with pianist and music educator, Jessica Roemischer, I was reminded of how quickly we can reach self-acceptance. As we talked, I remembered the miracle that takes place when she works with her students --- in just a few minutes, in a welcoming environment of belief and possibility, they reach inside to discover their own brand of greatness. Notice I didn't say hours or months of grueling work ... in just minutes, when we decide, the transformation can begin to take place. I, too, have witnessed this happen in my own work with dialogue across the world. It is a miracle available for all of us. Something magical happens when we have the opportunity to dwell in Possibility. 

Have you had this experience yourself?

If not, and it seems far-fetched, I encourage you to inspire yourself by visiting Jessica's moving exhibit at our Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center. It pays tribute to her remarkable work, showing us the transformative power of music ...and the heart. We named the exhibit "DIFFERENCES in DUET." It features a beautiful self-learning visual exhibit, music, videos to watch, my personal interview with her, and links to her website and other resources. Be sure to put your headset on and let her amazing rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star" guide you as you explore all the exhibit has to offer.

As I finish this, I keep thinking of my favorite childhood song, this little Light of mine, I'm going to let it Shine. Spring is a great time for this kind of renewal.

Warm regards to all who stop by...

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

The Essential Feminine “Living Room” Opens March 24th

Among the natural attributes of women are collaboration and team building.  (And, we hold many more.)  Our ability to use these gifs has been recognized by such groups as CARE, Heifer International and The Hunger Project.  (See notes below.)  These groups have invested their resources and total faith in women to rebuild their communities as they know that women will use their opportunities to feed their families and strengthen their communities.

Relationship building, networking and community building are some of women’s finest gifts.  Therefore, The Essential Feminine Company™ is opening its “Living Room” as a place for women to get together once a month to share ideas and suggestions about various topics.  This is a free event happening at noon (Pacific Time) on March 24 and continuing on the fourth Wednesday of the months following.  You will need to register for the event at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/448858688

We will begin our Living Room discussion with the topic, “Inviting The New, The Different and The Good Into Our Lives”.  After the initial theme has been presented we will be opening the lines for announcements, wishes, desires, and general networking. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have something you would like to share during the second half hour.  We need at least forty-eight hours prior to each Living Room event for your comment or need to be considered.

We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to join women from around the globe and help us create a community of women who want to create their lives from their true selves and thus make a difference.

Maureen Simon

Note: Yesterday (March 8) “was International Women's Day celebrating the progress women have made in their struggles for equality and development and also focusing on what remains to be done to ensure there is equality for all. The theme this year is "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All."”

Note from The Hunger Project:  “(THP) firmly believes that empowering women to be key change agents is an essential element to achieving the end of hunger and poverty. Wherever we work, our programs aim to support women, build their capacity and ensure their voice is heard and influence felt, both in their own communities and more widely.”  To read more: http://www.thp.org/learn_more/publications/newsletters/february_2010

Note from Heifer International:  Women Working Wonders; Since they received goats from Heifer, the members of Zambia's Evergreen Women's Club have been able to provide life-saving milk for their children, grow valuable crops to support their families and help their neighbors support themselves.  To read more: http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201594/?msource=kwg538

Maureen Simon
Co-Contributor
Create Your Blueprint for 2010
[email protected]theessentialfeminine.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon
www.theessentialfeminine.com
Join our Facebook Group "Women Influencing Now"
[email protected]

WOMEN: The Law of GROWTH

What's on your mind? What thoughts do you carry with you from day-to-day? These are the "fortune tellers" of your destiny. There is a law of growth written about and talked about by many of the sages in history.

WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT GROWS.

If you want to do a quick self-assessment that will help you identify either the roadblocks holding your back or validate the momentum of positive thoughts that are opening the way for your important work and meaningful life, examine what you spend your time thinking about.

In my favorite book, mentioned before, written by Emmet Fox, he captures this idea clearly for us:

"What you think upon grows. Whatever you allow to occupy your mind you magnify in your own life. Whether the subject of your thought be good or bad, the law works and the condition grows. Any subject that you keep out of your mind tends to diminish in your life, because what you do not use atrophies.

The more you think about your grievances or the injustices that you may have suffered, the more you continue to receive. The more you think of the good fortunes you have had, the more good fortune will come to you."

I have to admit that this law has worked in my life. When my heart was breaking, there was no comfort that came in re-living it---or when stress, fear, guilt have temporarily consumed me, everything only seems to grow bigger than the sky. In my darkest hours many years back, it was Viktor Frankl's message in Man's Search for Meaning that really brought this Law of Growth into view and practice. He recounted how people who survived the holocaust had a common characteristic, they rose above the misery and despair to see a positive vision of their future----a faithful belief amidst the horror that they too had something significant left to contribute. So it is with each of us. In any given situation, we have the personal freedom to choose our attitude, which in turn, helps us discover new meaning and fulfillment in our lives and work every day.

Take time to evaluate what occupies your mind. Fill it full of thoughts of the best you can imagine. Let go of thoughts of the struggles or stresses or injustices that may exist and think instead, ponder anew --- think about what could BE and align your actions to support those thoughts. I know. I know, it is not as easy as it sounds sometimes, but it is powerful and with practice you will in a short time see how positive thoughts make powerful changes in your life. It grows!

"We never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then if we are true to plan, our statures touch the skies." --- Emily Dickinson

May your way be blessed with only the best...

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead
www.globaldialoguecenter.com/women
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership
and High Performance

Twitter @debbekennedy

To Grow Is To Change

 

Spring is just around the corner.  Here in Northern California, there are daffodils blooming despite the cold, wet, windy winter weather.  As the newness sprouts from the ground, we too are offered the opportunity to embark upon newness in our lives.  It is our choice to change our lives, to grow. Take a look at your life and notice where you could grow or change at this time.  See the areas where you feel stagnation or stuck.  They are the opportunities for growth and the expression of your full potential.  It is important not to avoid risk but to be faithful to ambivalence and growth, for it is in these areas of our lives that we become fully expressed and alive.

 

One of my favorite authors and thinkers is John O’Donohue.  In his book Anam Cara he writes, “Deep within every life, no matter how dull or ineffectual it may seem from the outside, there is something eternal happening.  This is the secret way that change and possibility conspire with growth.  John Henry Newman summed this up beautifully when he said, “To grow is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.” Change, therefore, need not be threatening; it can in fact bring our lives to perfection.  Perfection is not cold completion.  Neither is it avoidance of risk and danger in order to keep the soul pure or the conscience unclouded.  When you are faithful to the risk and ambivalence of growth, you are engaging your life.”

 

Now is the moment for change.  Take the steps to bring forth your feminine attributes and feel truly alive.

 

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]

THE GAUNTLET HAS BEEN THROWN DOWN

The gauntlet has been thrown down.  Last year at the 5^th Annual Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, “what clearly emerged from the Women’s Forum…is the insight that with global economic crisis come global issues that are so complex and intertwined, no one party can hand off responsibility to another.  Business, professionals, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs, governments and public bodies alike have to care and have to take up these challenges practically. We need to find different models for social and economic progress or face repercussions and continued cyclical economic time bombs.  The Women’s Forum put women at the centre of this challenge and the heart of the solution.”

It was for good reason that the Women’s Forum put women at the center of this challenge.  Women have the natural talents and gifts to see things differently and to create different “models for social and economic progress”.  This is based on their feminine attributes of collaboration, intuition, relationship building, and communication abilities to name a few.  As recent studies have shown, diversity at the board level of companies and women holding decision making positions improves both the quality and soundness of decision making and quality of performance.  We must educate ourselves and our young girls to this fact. 

This is the time to believe in our feminine gifts and to develop them.  It is only through these gifts that we can empower change, contribute to our own success and that of the world around us. 

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]

P.S. The Forum was held on 15-17 October 2009 under the theme "Think again, think ahead! It is time for action change and hope." A review of the Forum was written by * Julia Harrison, Managing Partner of FD Blueprint (FD Blueprint is a leading EU public affairs company) and Member Founding Committee of Women’s Forum (Belgium) and published in the December 14 issue of the European Business Review.