Passion? What rhymes with passion?

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2011


3 Veils Waterfalls
"Power + Influence + Passion"

Extraordinary Leadership's PASSION

Let me introduce you to the most passionate poet of the Century
 - Kirk Nugent.

He's got a cool, dynamic perspective on what it takes to get the most out of your life, including a little chunk on what's happening in the cemetary.

Take a look - and if you have time, a second (deeper) review.  

Which lines really speak to you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb-Iweijt1s&feature=related

(Kirk Nugent "Pursue Your Passion" with text)


"Education is a wonderful thing, provided you always remember that nothing worth knowing can ever be taught."- Oscar Wilde

Stories

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

Take a look at the detail...not just the beautiful winter scene...there are patterns in nature which can be extraordinary...

Stories emerge like the newly fallen snow, on every branch...our stories can come alive...if we take the time to really hear them.

Organizational Leadership: It's All About the Story

How does an organizational mission turn into a memorable story?



A colleague, Doug Stevenson, owner of Story Theatre International, explains what we have already observed during our Curriculum Days at Leadership Thunder Bay. Leaders who can connect to their audience through their passion - and emotion - are the ones who score highest on our evaluations at the end of the day. But even more importantly, they are the ones who attract a following of great volunteers, solid fundraising and continued community support.



How do leaders pack impact into their stories? What's the secret?



I'm going to quote directly from Doug Stevenson's website at http://www.storytheatre.net/. He's a master of scripting the ultimate story.


"Emotional Eloquence is the next step in leadership development for current and high potential future leaders."


Leaders who have developed emotional eloquence speak to people’s highest aspirations, gaining emotional buy-in. Emotional eloquence includes advanced presentation skills with a uniquely different focus - authenticity and presence.



Leaders at all levels, but especially executive and director-level leaders, need to know how to inspire and motivate – to be wisdom sharers.



Many of today’s leaders have relinquished their role as motivators and wisdom sharers in favor of standing behind lecterns and reading speeches that others have written for them. They have surrendered their power. All to often, mid to high-level leaders make boring PowerPoint presentations. They report on quarterly earnings rather than painting a picture of a hopeful future. In a speech where they should be charting a bold course and inspiring people to follow their lead, they bore people and fail to connect.



Emotional eloquence is a new and integral approach to communication skills for leaders which simultaneously refers back to a simpler time when leaders spoke from their hearts and inspired their employees to follow them forward towards a better future."



On January 15th, your CAP group - each and every one of you needs to be part of the presentation in some way - has 15 minutes to relate, inspire and connect your project with the rest of the LTB class. This is a "dress rehearsal" of sorts in preparation for your graduation in June. Design - don't write - the story with emotional eloquence.



Again, quoting from Doug:

1. Emotion is the fast lane to the brain

2. Speak from your head with your heart wide open

3. Use metaphors and stories to frame your content

4. Brand your message by weaving a theme

5. Design your speech yourself

6. Go deep, not wide

7. Appeal to people’s higher aspirations and moral convictions

8. Close your speech with a message of hope



Most of all, get excited about your project and your role. Tell us about the people...the connections... the challenges. (Remember the theory about community assets? Behind every asset, there's a real person doing something important.)


Finally, about the timing: You have 15 minutes. I find this stopwatch very helpful!

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/



Again, if you need some storytelling help, just ask! Need a clue, an angle, a finale? Call, email or ask me - or an alumni - or one of the Curriculum Committee mentors - out for coffee...Don't sit there scratching your heads (or other body parts)... we're in this together:)

January 15 is all about stories: Dr. Brad's, yours...and whatever happens along the way.

- Maggie

What Does It Take?

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine, All Rights Reserved iCopyright 2008






What It Takes To Lead
P A S S I O N ! V I S I O N !




Demographics don’t seem to matter much. Young. Seasoned. Male. Female. Urban. Rural.


Leadership isn’t a job. It’s not a title. It’s a calling.

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” - Abraham Lincoln

1. October is Women in History month. For some interesting bios of women who forged ahead and shattered stereotypes, go here:

http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/owd/english/whm/index.shtml




2. This incredibly powerful young man was recently in Thunder Bay, as the official spokesperson for Unicef Canada. He is 12 years old and has raised more funds than anyone in the LTB Alumni or our current class. Read about his VISION and PASSION here:

http://www.bilaalrajan.com/





“Sometimes a leader emerges from among equals, a man whose natural charisma, stability, and sense of purpose make everyone turn to him, just as office plants turn toward the window. There’s something special there, and everybody recognizes it, even if no one can put a finger on it.” – David Zinczenko, Editor, Mens Health Magazine



3. OPPORTUNITY! On November 24th Craig Kielburger, three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a very young leader, will be giving an inspiring presentation in Thunder Bay.


That evening Craig will bring to light a unique opportunity for Canada’s youth to positively shape their local and global communities. Craig illustrates this powerful message through stories from his inspiring 12 year journey which has built the world’s largest youth run charitable organization “Free The Children”. go to http://www.metowe.com/ and click on “Why Me To We”.

For additional information regarding Craig’s presentation in Thunder Bay please contact Emey Hendricks of Investors Group @ 345-6363 ext. 224.


4. And...check out the new list of readings for our November 20 Learning Day at Bombardier: go to http://xowhat.blogspot.com (top right corner).

Remember to play - it's Hallowe'en!

- Maggie

Help develop leadership passion in Thunder Bay. Invite your children, cousins, neighbours - your young friends to public and alumni events. Be a role model in your leadership journey.