Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Leadership and Creativity

“There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.”

Warren Bennis


Professor Bennis is one of my favorite authorities on leadership—I’ve stolen material from him unashamedly which I consider to be the highest compliment I can pay to a thought leader.

I’ve founded and led two training industry success stories: Lifespring and ARC International. Looking back, I feel a lot of pride and a little regret. Regret that I was not able to build companies that last, that continue to serve people and employ great staff. Pride that our seminars positively impacted the lives of over one million graduates.

It’s a longer story than what fits in this format however one leadership strength that played out in my companies was that I did everything I could to “create an environment” wherein our trainers, consultants, enrollment staff and administrators could flourish—and they did.

In your family, your company, your community, you have that opportunity. Are the people around you dancing? Your thoughts are encouraged--share them by commenting below.

With love and respect,

Robert

P. S. To celebrate the many thoughtful responses to my recent reader survey, there's a special offer until July 30th on my "Eight Principles" home study program. Eight CDs plus an Owner's Manual, this powerful program normally sells for $195, for the next ten days just $95 including shipping and handling. Just e mail sales@extraordinarypeople.com and we'll send you a PayPal invoice you can pay with any credit or debit card.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
-Edith Wharton

Robert White said...

Arturo: what a great quote! Thanks for sharing it!

Donna Lipman said...

Thanks, Robert. I got a lot out of that extraordinary minute with you. I love the distinction on "stealing" and, even though I'm a singer, I still have a choice to provide a space for those around me to sing and dance. Good thing to remember. Love, Donna