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: 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

 

 

Inner Life, Outer Success

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"

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Dust Off Your Dreams

“If you have unfulfilled dreams, and visions of greater prosperity and success tucked in a corner of your mind, don’t keep them there any longer.  Dare to bring them out and dust them off.  Dare to begin thinking of the possibilities.”  Catherine Ponder

So often we feel distant and far away from our dreams.  The true art of living includes inviting your dreams and visions in to your day to day life.  There is no need for separation.  There is no need for these visions to feel far away.  How do we dust them off and begin to dare to think of what might be possible.  How do we move from the smallness of our every day thinking to the grandeur of the realm of all possibility?  I have a few things to share that I have personally been working on for the past couple of months:

• Identify your greatest dreams and visions.  Get to know them. Make them your friends.  Be, act and live as though they are already a part of your life.

• Dare to bring them out in your day to day world.  If buying a beautiful home is a dream of yours, surround yourself with beautiful homes (pictures, conversations, etc.).  If creating an amazing partnership in your life is a priority in your life, be very clear about the characteristics you’d like that person to hold.

 Observe any small or limited thinking in your day.  These are old habits to break out of.  Replace them, one by one, as they come up with exciting, expanded, exhilarating new thinking.

As we begin to look closely at our dreams and to make them a part of our every day reality, they will no longer be dreams but they will become our reality.

 

Maureen Simon
Co-Contributor
www.maureensimon.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon
www.theessentialfeminine.com
Join our Facebook Group "Women Influencing Now"

How Do We Know How To Live Our Lives?

 

"Be the world so rough may I never forget the vision of my heart?

The dreams of my soul,

The creative plans and ideas that quicken my blood

 And inspire my being"

~ Caitlin Matthews in Celtic Devotional (1996)

                                                                   

 We are offered opportunities to discover our deepest passion in life at each day of our life. We often step back timidly and choose not to trust our inner voice that is our true guide and brings us important information about next steps.  Life gives us sneak previews, small glimpses, chills up our spine, butterflies in our stomachs and feelings that help us know when we've entered that zone of passion.  Why do we run from life’s offerings and question the immense opportunities in our life?

 

When we sell out on fully living our life from our deepest passion, we miss the vast possibilities that are truly available to us. We limit ourselves greatly when we don't trust the inner voice that informs us daily on our life’s path by teaching us through- how we “feel”. How we “feel” is the major indication as to whether our day-to-day actions are in alignment with what we are meant to do and of how we are meant to live. We cannot be truly whole, unless we begin to understand the choices that we're making in our lives, and how they relate to the deepest passion that lies within the depths our souls.

 

Maureen Simon

Co-Contributor

 (415) 381-5115
[email protected]
www.maureensimon.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
Join our Facebook Group “Women Influencing Now”

 

10 Ways to Build PARTNERSHIP

Cleaning out your office is good for the soul! There is often a rediscovery of thinking that at the time might have been more of a hunch than a conviction. When you look back with more living, working, learning and achieving, you recognize humbly that we are all given everything we need to know if we just take time to think, question and listen to what lies within. One of these moments of rediscovery came to me recently with my documented views on building a partnership. I found my original list. It was later published in my book Breakthrough!

Creating and sustaining an exceptional partnership, whether it be in business or in your personal life, is really much the same. As we watch the most powerful leaders in the world struggle with getting along and building lasting peace, I realize this same timeless knowledge applies --- it is knowledge planted in each of us. Getting along --- being good partners or good neighbors is not really so complex. It just takes mutual interest, trust and respect for others ---- and a continuous thoughtfulness about each other.

These 10 Ways to Build a Partnership today, in reflection, have taken on new meaning and a strong conviction. I share them with you.

10 Ways to Build a Partnership

1. Build a shared vision.
2. Listen to the person/organization.
3. Seek understanding; repeat what you have heard; mutually agree.
4. Understand what's important to the person/organization.
5. Share yourself honestly and openly; people/organizations want to know you.
6. Do what you say you will do. Live your commitment. Be reliable.
7. Demonstrate truth and mutual respect in all actions.
8. Re-evaluate direction regularly together.
   What's going well. What isn't. What will you do about it.
9. Deliver excellence in every contribution. It speaks for itself.
10. Always focus on what's right to do, rather than what's planned.

What would you add to this from you experience?

What else would make the list more complete?

Warm regards to all,

Debbe

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

Twitter:@debbekennedy

Author...
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

Buy a Copy at Amazon.com

YouTube Book Review by futurist Joel A. Barker

A Problem Is A Chance For You To Do Your Best

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

Duke Ellington

A problem is an opportunity.  When I look back over my life I realize that each problem had a distinct lesson attached to it. Sometimes these lessons did not become clear until many years later. I remember many challenging times when I lived in London that did not make sense to me at the time, but now have become pillars of strength as I look back and remember lessons learned. Failed relationships, problems with finances, issues with friends and family and even our health all carry a special message.  What does it mean if a relationship that you are dealing with feels disharmonious, is there something to learn about this? How can you become more clear about your ability to gather and glean information from both your history and your current situations.

As I mentioned my life in London held many challenges, new culture, difficult relationship, and a loss of all that was familiar to me in my day-to-day life.  At thirty I literally started my life over.  The support that I needed was not there.  I learned to turn within. I studied subjects such as loneliness to understand what the root of loneliness is.  I learned that I had all I needed within   myself. And that I just needed to relax, look at the parts of my life that was working and build upon them.  I think we all have moments where problems feel overwhelming, but in reality they are great indicators for lessons that need to be learned.

Maureen Simon
Contributing Author 415-381-5115
[email protected]
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com

IN COMMEMORATION 9/11: The Strength to Begin Again

It seems that 9/11 seems more than a commemoration of just that tragic day years ago. So much since has happened that makes it serve as a compelling symbol of all that has gone wrong in our world. So, I write in commemoration of the lives lost in the tragedy of 9/11, reflecting on the heartbreak and heartache around the world --- from natural diasters, for families suffering with soldiers and family members lost in the IRAQ WAR and AFGHANISTAN, the genocide in places like Nigeria and other places of violence and suffering, as well as other great losses and anguish around the world wherever it exists. I've continued to revisit one of the truths in life each year as the memories stack up and again tug at my consciousness. I heard Ethel Kennedy, wife of Bobbie Kennedy, capture the essence of it one time in an interview. Referring to how their family had recovered from so much tragedy, she said with a couageous smile, "After a storm, the birds sing."

I later wrote an article, After a Storm, the Birds Sing, as a 9/11 commemorative contribution that incorporated stories about the strength of all life to begin again. Below is an excerpt of from the story that exemplifies this strength. May it inspire YOU. I am posting it again, because it speaks the words of my heart:

"Some years back, Sally, my best friend of 43 years, and I teamed up with our close friend, Emily, to start hiking. Together, we set out eagerly to explore the outdoors. In a relatively short time, we had climbed most of the notable peaks in our area and began new, more challenging climbs in more exotic places. The hikes soon became more than exercise and experiencing the outdoors. We used them to learn about ourselves and spent time at the top, and later over coffee, talking about the lessons we had learned. Soon, we invited new friends, daughters and sisters to join us. Over time, we helped each other solve life problems, think through work challenges, build new dreams and celebrate many victories in our lives, including those of making it to the top of those glorious mountains, where all things seem possible.

Just before Christmas, a few years ago, Emily received word from her sister, Celeste, that her husband was gravely ill. The worst possible news was soon confirmed: he had perhaps a few days — or maybe a few weeks — to live. There was a helplessness as one looked on to see the torrent of grief sweep through all their lives. I watched big sister, Emily, mobilize, garnering all the human strengths she possessed to share her sister’s burden: intellect, commanding presence, know-how, influence, clout, and deep love of family. The other sisters and brothers came together across the distance to support her. Reports came that close-by friends were surrounding Celeste with their goodness.

Across the country, we all knew Celeste from her visits with Emily — devoted wife and stay-at-home mom with three young children. Her husband, Bill, had provided well for his family and took

care of everything in Celeste’s life for her. This gift of love soon became a terrifying reality of unknowns. With the sudden loss and the weight of many responsibilities, it was inconceivable to me to imagine the level of strength and courage it would take for Celeste to put her shattered life back together, get through Christmas with three young kids, take on the leadership of the family, and go on to start anew. With a lot of love around her, she made it through.

Shortly after Bill’s passing, Emily gifted Celeste with a week of renewal with the children. Plans for the week included a hike up one of our favorite mountains. Our little hiking group agreed to take the journey with Celeste, which was our first time to personally connect with her as a group of friends since Bill died. Not long into the hike, I realized that the experience of walking with her, listening to her, and watching her would be a lesson about courage that would stay with me. Now and then, I come across her picture at the top of that lofty peak and reflect on the nurturing experience of that day we all spent together. Seeing her boldly standing on top of the world in itself is a monument to the human spirit that lies within all of us: The choice we make to go on when life deals us an unexpected defining moment — a choice to give up or begin again.

So, in commemoration of the gift of life demonstrated in all the tragedies and joys of this past year throughout the world— life in all its forms so precious, so fleeting — may we all reflect on the defining moments we are given — the ones that have called us to have faith in the power we have within to make the choice to go on.

Do you have an inspiring story to tell?

May you be blessed...

 

 

Warm regards to all...
Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work

Twitter: @debbekennedy

Can I Join You in the Pool – A Question that Muslim Women Are Asking in France

I recently read an article about  a woman who tried to go swimming in a head to toe burquini.  Burquinis are swim attire designed for Muslim women to allow them to swim in public while following her religious requirement of being fully covered in public. The woman felt that she was being segregated. For many years religious attire has been a hot topic in France as many news agencies have reported about the banning of the headscarves in schools and public settings.

The pool officials insisted that it was not the woman who was being banned, but that her swimsuit was not allowed based on France’s strict hygiene rules for pools. The issue brings up some every interesting questions. Firstly, I have worked closely with a number of Muslim women and have always wondered how they can become fit while they participate in community activities that relate to sport. Many believe that Koranic law requires that women be covered from head-to-toe in public. When I heard about the Burquini it seemed to be a solution that could allow for physical activity that many women yearn for. As I read more about France’s hygiene requirement banning full dress in pools, I began to see a direct conflict. And that door that was beginning to open for Muslim women slammed shut.

How can these women get their needs met?  How can they swim and hike and participate in community life?  How different is a wetsuit that covers one from head to toe, but is reserved in most cases for pools or the sea from a burquini?  Is a traditional wetsuit condemned from pools?  How much of Frances’ hygiene rules truly relate to hygiene and how much of the rule is discriminatory or limiting?  Many believe that their recent banning of full head scarves in public was discriminatory?

I believe that it is time for Muslim women to speak out and to let their needs be known. It is essential that they stand up for their rights to use public facilities as they rest at ease the minds of those concerned with hygiene issues.  A mutually agreeable solution that can allow women the freedom that they need to create or maintain good health through physical activity and open participation in their community is possible. There must be a way to find common ground. 

Maureen Simon
Co-Contributor
www.maureensimon.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon
www.theessentialfeminine.com

Join our Facebook Group "Women Influencing Now" 

Personal Responsibility in Leadership Serves All

 As a nation, we have projected a sense of righteousness and superiority attitudes that are deeply resented in world.  Separateness and superiority have become our way of life, rooted deeply in fear.  I question-- is our way of living necessarily "right"?  Many aspects of American life are unraveling before our very eyes (such as, the ability to live and lead from truth and the ability to care for the whole, our health care system, our economic foundation). I wonder who are we to put forth our superiority?  Collective responsibility expressed through empathy and understanding would benefit us all.  Therefore, one of the most important things we need in the world today is for each of us to have a sense of what it is like to walk in the shoes of another. 

 

In order for our collective responsibility to change, we must change on a personal level.  Attempting to change collective responsibility will fail, as it is a symptom and not the disease.  For true change, we must accept our personal responsibility to move beyond fear, selfishness and superiority to a place of deep understanding and care for the benefit of all.  Women are particularly needed to lead this new way of living/leading because we who give birth, by our very nature hold the potential for compassion for all (the whole).  It is my wish that women step forward today and take a greater lead in where our collective (world) is headed.  It is my passion to help that to happen.

 

Maureen Simon, Contributing Author
415-381-5115
[email protected]
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://womeninfluencingnow.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/maureensimon