| Dear Fellows, In this time of ordering “take out,” I want to deliver you an order of LEADERSHIP take out, a three course portion of leadership lessons based upon the items most frequently mentioned when we ask people how they have changed as a result of their LEADERSHIP experience. 1. I now realize the value of introspection. What is your why? If not me, then who? It’s your 75th birthday. What are people thanking you for? Most people are too busy to carve out time to answer this sort of question, yet the answers can be life-changing, compelling, and clarifying. In this period of forced confinement these important questions are looming in our peripheral vision. Am I living my best life? Is there something I need to change? If not now, then when? Finish this first course by asking yourself: Has this situation revealed ways that I can be a better person? Family member? Colleague? Boss? Philadelphian? What one step can I take to be a better version of myself. What should I stop doing? Start doing? Continue? 2. I can see the interplay between vulnerability and leadership. How is life different from what you thought it would be at 20? How are you different inside from the way people see you on the outside? Talk about a character-building experience. At some point in class most people cry. This usually surprises and unnerves them, but is moving and endearing to those who witness the tears. They happen when an unexpected memory comes forward, or a long gone loved one is remembered, or in sympathy with a classmate who is sharing something deeply personal. It often happens as a primitive reaction to the intensity and beauty of students dancing or singing for us at CAPA. When we remove our corporate masks and make ourselves vulnerable, revealing our basic human and flawed selves, others let down their guard and share. We see beneath the surface and the assumptions we make about one another, to the place where we are more alike than different. We connect through our shared humanity. Have you taken any time during this lockdown to share your fears in a constructive way? Have you invited your family, colleagues or friends to express their concerns? As a leader, you can listen respectfully to ensure that the others feel heard and refrain from dismissing fears or pretending that all is well. Then use your optimism to share an example of thriving through a frightening unknown, or a story of inspiration from a family member or friend. Open up the discussion and close it on a positive note. 3. I have more to offer than I realized. Giving back comes in many forms. What is the kindest thing you’ve ever done? Talk about a time when you felt truly seen. Share a random act of kindness that you gave or received. We want every alumni to embrace the concept of pay it forward: to do something for someone without expecting anything in return. The real key here is getting you to notice what people around you want and need. This can be a gesture as small as holding an elevator door open, donating to a cause that moves you, or volunteering for or joining a board whose mission you believe in. What gift (time? attention? encouragement? escape?) can you give those around you to ease their stress? What gift can you give yourself so that you are in a better state of mind to help others? (As in, put on your own oxygen mask first.) What act of civility can you perform on the street? If you are reading this, you are a capable, committed and well-informed Philadelphian. Please share some of the nutrition of this leadership take out menu with your immediate circle. Encourage introspection, vulnerability and sharing gifts of time, attention and distraction. Listen for ways you can help when the ban is lifted. Many of our alumni are playing significant roles managing the operations, logistics and services required to survive the impact of the pandemic. Once we are past the worst of this and can assess our new normal, complete with the unimaginable unemployment ramifications, each of us will need to step up and take some form of ownership and responsibility for the recovery of our amazing city. As the fog lifts, opportunities to serve will become clear. We will share suggestions at that time. Now that you’ve ingested these three courses, for dessert serve up a dish of your own recipe for optimism. Because this too shall pass, and we are all in it together. Fondly, Liz |
| Liz Dow, CEO |
The Inquirer features a guest column by Liz Dow.
In this moment, choose to be compassionate and grateful -Liz Dow
