Monthly Archives: April 2015

Celebrating What’s Right with the World

This video was absolutely amazing and a fantastic choice for the culmination of this class.  Not to mention, after the day I had, I found it grounded me once again.  As I think about the practice of AI and the techniques we have learned, I find myself wondering what my purpose in life is.  I have no problem with taking a risk and getting outside of my comfort zone.  I am innately good but I too, am afraid to look in the mirror to know and accept myself.  I always seem to think I might be ashamed of what I find and who is looking back.  Professionals tell me to thank my mother for that but that’s something for another day and something I work to make peace with daily.  The irony of it all is I work to find good in everyone and my mission is to elevate the experience for myself and others.  Ai has become the new foundation for me and that’s just the beginning of the new house (me) I plan to build.  I have a vision, I have the tools, I dabbled in technique but I am certain I will find my beacons to help me navigate the road ahead.  Truth be told, I cried when they showed the family Reunion.  I have great intuition and that example hit so close to home.  I need to have faith, believe, and accept myself as I continue on this journey.

Michele, I can’t thank you enough for being my first beacon 🙂

The Power of Positive – Appreciative Leaders

Diana Whitney offered a solid perspective of the power of positive.  After surveying leaders who embrace AI, they discovered four key themes:

  • The leaders were willing to engage with people
  • They believed in the positive
  • They were learners in the process
  • They cared about humanity and people.

Diana and team then decided instead of interviewing a top leader for her book, which is very common,  they took a different approach.  They wanted to understand what the people wanted.  They wanted to gather the voice of the people.  I thought that was brilliant.

Diana also spoke about 5 strategies:

  • Inquiry; the power of the question
  • Illumination; how to bring out the best in people
  • Inclusion; don’t talk about me without me
  • Inspiration
  • Integrity; beyond just being honest

I appreciated and valued Diana’s perspective.  I believe her thinking and approach is sound and an approach I could adopt in my own organization.  I can’t think of a better leader to work for than one who is positive, confident, and enthusiastic.  Let’s face it, we all love engaging leaders who can relate to the people.  It’s empowering and makes us want to do more for the common good.  When we are all focused on the good, we can accomplish great things together.