The Leadership Blog by Ann Vanino

This Thursday at 7pm eastern/4pm pacific, I’ll be doing Live Coaching on Hillary Raimo’s Internet Radio Show. Bring Hillary and me an aspect of your life that you want to move forward on – a relationship, career, money, personal fulfillment, transition. We’ll work with you, on air, to create movement in that aspect of your life. You’ll find information on the show and a call - in number at the above link.

Live Coaching is a powerful process – join us!

Yesterday I attended a Board meeting of an organization. In the course of the meeting, I witnessed an example of leadership. The meeting was called to discuss whether to go forward with a project that some Board members were concerned would not succeed. It became evident to me that before the meeting there had been some serious concern expressed to our Chair. He called the meeting so the Board could make a determination on the future of the project. By doing so, we were on the spot to engage and take responsibility. An objective presentation was made of the pros and cons. One issue was that there were not enough people helping with the project. We were told that if we voted to go forward with the project we were agreeing to take a Vice Chair position, overseeing a committee. The result of the meeting was that we will go forward with the project and all Board members will be involved. I think the key ingredients in the successful outcome were objectively laying the situation out in front of the Board, asking for our ownership of the project as Board members and the courage to hear everyone out. Those ingredients led to our buy in and cooperation.

I wish our world more heartily embraced servant leadership. Wikipedia offers some great information on servant leadership including examples going back to 600 B.C. Here’s their definition of servant leadership:

Unlike leadership approaches with a top-down hierarchical style, Servant Leadership instead emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power. The objective is to enhance the growth of individuals in the organization and increase teamwork and personal involvement.

Let’s spread the word about servant leadership to youth. It will help them and improve the world.

I am reading a book titled Hope Matters by John Calhoun. The book profiles people serving humanity in schools, churches and community-based organizations. Calhoun examines how hope and faith sustain them in their work. As you work in the world, what sustains you? Hope really does matter as you face challenges. Cultivate hope so that you can lead and serve effectively in your world.

Leadership is not
All serious without joy
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