Mike Henry, Founder of the Lead Change Group and the LeaderPalooza unconference organizer asked the participants of the first LeaderPalooza to share their thoughts about the unique value of the event and the Lead Change Group. Here are my reflections a few weeks after the event.
In February 2010 I had the privilege to spend two days with 14 extraordinary people who quickly became friends. The organizing question: how can we instigate a movement of character-based leadership to make a positive difference?
It seemed incredible to me at first that a group of such clearly accomplished yet diverse individuals were willing to invest 2 days at an event with a very loosely defined agenda and a relatively short lead time for the event. In fact 2 of the participants had little connection to the group at all.
I think the event itself, that it even happened, is a clear demonstration of the powerful ripple affect one person’s stand can have in moving others to act. In this case that person is Mike Henry, founder of the Linked In Lead Change Group. And I want to take this opportunity to appreciate Mike for his leadership. His vision, his stand and his commitment made this event happen.
That it turned out to be an incredibly enriching and enjoyable experience for all who participated further demonstrates the power of engaging committed individuals in pursuit of a common purpose.
Leaderpalooza also renewed my belief that “mountains can be moved” when every single person involved in an endeavor takes responsibility for providing personal leadership, leading themselves and being of service to each other and a commitment we share. The depth of commitment to elevating character as an essential foundation for effective leadership, beginning first with ourselves, was inspiring. We may use different words to describe what that is or approach it from different perspectives or in different ways, but there was no mistaking that we were aligned from the very start of the event.
While I had many insights from the conversations over the 2 days, one in particular stands out for me: the meaning of REAL leadership. I am beginning to believe that when people say they want “real” leadership they are attempting to articulate that what is all too often missing from leadership is character.
When it comes to leadership the letters R-E-A-L have new meaning for me now: Respectful, Ethical, Accountable and Loving. And while I don’t think any definition could do justice to the notion of character-based leadership, for me this is a great way to begin the conversation.
What does Character-Based Leadership mean to you?
LeaderPalooza was just a beginning…now is a great time for you to join the conversation! You can find us on Linked In, Facebook, and on Twitter by searching on #leadchange.
Thank you Mike Henry, Vicki Henry, Chris Zaucha, David Wachs, Deb Costello, Don Shapiro, Erin Schreyer, Fanny Korman, Jane Perdue, Jim Holland, Mark Oakes, Monica Diaz, Sonia DiMaulo and Steve Keating for the gifts of your wisdom, your heart and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
If you would like to read other posts written about the LeaderPalooza experience you can start here Lead Change Group. Links to other participant posts are included.
{ 7 comments }
