May 2009 First Wednesday Webinar Recap
May’s discussion was personally revealing and inspiring. Being a “work in progress” to overcome some of my own influences and attitudes, the experience, practices and wisdom shared by the participants showed me how I can transform some deep and limiting assumptions about my own creativity. Although I truly believe that we are all co-creators in partnership with the One Creative Power, without the conviction to go along with that belief, it is difficult to realize the potential of what I really am – an individual and unique expressions of the One Life. Thank you, gentlemen! My violin is now a part of my daily meditation!
Here are some of the thoughts and ideas I was able to capture in my notes, which was difficult to do, being I was so focused on what I was hearing and feeling!
- The essence of what a leader (or influencer) brings to others is their energy. Is it positive, compassionate, empathetic, and transparent in its intention? If the feeling level is great, so will be the actions that it inspires. Based on comments about the Obama Effect, that energy must achieve results and go beyond just making others feel good or hopeful.
- Leaders positively influence others by helping them realize the significance in what is being done; to use their gifts to service others. But to do so, they must “pause and feel”, develop empathy. Indeed, the foundation of emotional intelligence. But result-driven leaders often sacrifice the emotional well-being and development of their people. They fail to realize the value of placing the same rigor to development and culture as they do on performance.
- We are all creative. It is our nature. When it is blocked, we are not our true selves and potential. When we find expression in one way, it impacts everything else that is done. Sing, paint, design, write, play music – let your artist be!
A thirty minute webinar gets the dialog started. I hope that not only those that participated but those that missed it keep the conversation going by sharing your thoughts (and feelings) about what we discussed.
Best,
Olivia
Sources referenced during the webinar:
Gordon Bethune’s transformation of Continental Airlines: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Bethune
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. Julia Cameron (2002). Also see http://www.theartistsway.com/
