Lessons from a Lifetime in Leadership
Jim Kouzes thinks Frances Hesselbein is a national treasure. Stephen Covey said she is, “extraordinary.” The father of modern management, Peter Drucker thought she was the greatest leader in the country. The President of the United States awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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Frances Hesselbein’s autobiography, “My Life in Leadership,” is both a personal story and a textbook in leadership.
During our conversation, Frances affirmed the themes of her life. I’m sharing personal takeaways more than reviewing her book.
Definition
Both the practice of leadership and leadership development are shaped by Hesselbein’s twelve word definition of leadership, “Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.”
Inclusion
“You can’t develop a plan, ‘give’ it to ‘the people,’ and expect them feel that it’s theirs.” During our conversation she used the term; “engage,” like the trinity. She always said it in triplicate, “engage, engage, engage.”
She adds, “We learned that the more we include our constituents in the development of program resources, the more acceptable and the more successful they are.”
Facing opposition
When you face resistance, Frances says, “Save the face and the dignity of the people who oppose the initiative.”
I asked Frances how she responds to people that resist initiatives. Her response to them is, “Let’s talk about it.”
Facing forward
You might think Frances’ posture toward resistance weak. You’d be dead wrong. She lives by Drucker’s principle, “Honoring the past but intensely defining the future …”
Frances frequently says, “Honor the past.” That doesn’t mean she lives in the past. One lesson I took from her book is let the future not the past shape your direction.
Random quote:
We embraced, “The philosophy of no surprises.”
“… we worked to focus on those areas that would make the greatest difference.”
“Bigness doesn’t inspire anyone.”
“Listening is the essential element of effective leadership.”
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If you enjoy biographies and leadership, I think you’ll enjoy, “My Life in Leadership: The Journey and Lessons Learned Along the Way.”
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Bonus: I was recently elected to the International Board of Directors for an orphanage in South Africa. Some readers may find Frances’ suggestions on questions every potential director should ask useful. 10 Questions potential directors should ask.
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Related Post from my conversation with Frances:
Looks like a terrific book – I’m not familiar with her work, but I believe I should be!
Bigness doesn’t inspire anybody! Excellent
Wonderful quotes by Hesselbein in your recent blogs about her and the book. The book itself must be filled by even more! Her level of commitment and energy (I know, the “calling”) is truly inspiring. What if everybody brought that attitude to work…
Good point Tora,
You may be surprised to know that Frances is over 90… I didn’t ask her but did some figuring. I have to tell you her voice seems a bit wavering but its very clear she is completely in charge of her heart and mind. During our 50 minute conversation she never missed a beat, lost track, or forgot where our conversation was heading or had been. Plus the vitality in her voice is remarkable.
Best,
Dan
In this age where we hardly know our neighbours and everyone seems to be focussed on self and individual achievement, it seems to me that the new leadership gurus are talking about building ‘community’ once again.
Listen closely, engage, connect, develop together, lead don’t manage, lead from within, build a tribe not a cattle farm.
It’s heartening to know in the iPod generation that the call to listen to each other is being broadcast to the world and hopefully heeded by many.
Thank you for sharing Ms. Hesselbein’s thoughts and book with us. And for your very own contribution to developing fine leaders the world over. We’re listening.
Thanks Seeking,
Love how you articulated an important component of leadership. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Best,
Dan
Loved her definition of leadership and her thoughts on inclusion. Leadership is never done in a bubble. Thanks for the past 3 days of posts Dan. Have enjoyed reading about the book (and its author).
Thanks Bill… cheers
Loved these posts too and, in particular, her affirmation that listening is an essential element of effective leadership. I also found ‘ honouring the past and intensely defining the future’ very helpful in work that I am currently undertaking supporting a charity through restructure after budget cuts.
John,
Both in reading and in my conversation I found her ideas about honoring the past useful. It’s not necessary to demonize the past in order to move forward. Frances said the past brought us to this point honor it, respect it for what it is. I’ll use my language now, in any living organization, the future drives the present. I refer to methods not to values. I think confusing values with methods is a death sentence to healthy innovation.
Additionally, in a changing world organizations that don’t change inevitably fall behind and eventually die.
Best,
Dan
Agree on when she says it (Leadership) is a matter of How to be not really how to do….Individuals make lot of difference to the organizations and organizational goals… Further her priority of Engagement is also something I fully endorse and agree, nothing a good leader can do without getting engaged as well as without seeking engagement from others. It is the key for successful leadership. Further I would like to add that Communication, Involvement and Empowerment are the great tools for a leader to make him an authentic leader.
wishes
To go into tomorrow, one should know about the past…agree that we need to honor the past but remain focused on the future. With numerous elements that could be mentioned in regards to effective leadership, I think that (effective) listening is one of the key essential ones as well – if you cannot take the time to listen, why would others follow?
While our own personal story and principles which have served and help guide us may be different – we would probably be amazed at similarities.
Learning from others can only strengthen our continued and ever changing journey forward.
Sounds like a great read – look forward to it.
Obviously a great lady but her definition of leadership is not.
It’s probably true that the ‘being’ makes the ‘doing’ successful but it’s scarely a definition.
PS I left a post last week but it seems to have disappeared
John,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry about the missing comment. I did a search and came up dry.
Best to you,
Dan
I have found refreshing water in the strangest and most mystical place. The internet.
engage engage engage, i like the triplicate use of it. No one will take ownershiop of the vision if they are not engaged in its inception. Every other effort is futile and frustrating when we impose our own crafted visions
This book is going on my “must read” list. Thanks!
I love her focus on developing a plan with your team. The greatest successes I have seen from new managers I work with involves this process. I would enjoy reading her book to help me help others develop this process as well.
Frances is a reminder that we can name ourselves leaders, or our bosses can, but we’re not a leader until people choose to follow. Her wisdom would bring her followers if she were a worker on the line. Amazing woman.
Dan, excellent……..again!!! I love the following 2 quotes from the blog. Too often we can miss these two points. “Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.” “Bigness doesn’t inspire anyone.”
Keep it up Bro. Howie
I really need that book!!!
Any book any experience shared is value! even if we do not think the same way…I respect any opinion so I hope to win that book :)!
I do some voluntary work for the strays animals in my country very far from where I live now…and it has been so difficult not to motivate people at the beginning but to make them really do the job! Also for my professional live it could be very useful.
I liked the INCLUSION section – it is true that ownership is a major part of leading people – they have to buy in to the vision and OWN that vision – or you will end up carrying it all by yourself!
Thank you Dan! I enjoyed reading and learning from this interview. Have a great day!
True leaders have a strength and presence that is unmistakable. They have the “it factor” but “it” didn’t just happen. “It” was forged over time through life experience. Most of us will never meet Ms. Hesselbein but I looked forward to learning from her experience. Win the book or not, I’m going to get it. Thanks for introducing us to her.
Couldn’t have said it better. We can’t make every mistake, so we must learn from others – stand on their shoulders, as it were – to become the leaders they were.
I can’t wait to read this book. This is the kind of person I will give 200% for. I want to adopt her leadership philosophies as my own. You have to think about, “How can i be like this leader despite being surrounded by leaders who aren’t?”
Janna,
I love your passionate spirit about the book and personal change. What you communicated above resinates with me. Thanks
Never heard of Francesuntil now. Would enjoy reading her book.
She sounds exciting and energizing! Thanks for the opportunity to get her book! Just reading what you posted in the last two day’s has made me want to go get her book!
As a change agent, I am constantly faced with those who are adverse to the change. My slogan is: “Let’s talk about it.” And, for the most part, it usually works in getting them to at least face and accept the changes….
Thanx for sharing these excerpts.
Love her definition of leadership. I’m not familiar with Frances, but her story looks like a very interesting read.
“Be” may be most important but nothing happens without the “Do”. One more trait – “Know” – is a prerequisite to the others.
People who pose resistance may actually have thought of a better way! Don’t stonewall them – do as Ms. Hesselbein urges: discuss it with them. You will either learn a better approach or reaffirm why yours is better – or maybe a bit of both!
This will be an interesting book to read.
Be, Know, Do is the core of leadership as taught by the U.S. Army. Good catch.
Thanks for bringing attention to this book. Can’t wait to read it.
I have read and re-read this post today, enjoying and agreeing each time but coming up short of something to say! I love the 12 word definition of leadership: “Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.”
I have been in a situation where there were significant issues that were being glossed over by the CEO. When I would hear the CEO advising board members (or actually telling us staff) how “great” things were, it was so very deflating. I was left wondering how I could be a leader in making things better without acknowledgement from “the top” that the issues existed. I don’t know if that void could be traced back to the individual not listening, not wanting to know, or knowing about the issues but feeling powerless himself to change them.
I suppose, as Frances suggests, that a huge first step on the leader’s part would have been to engage, engage, engage.
We could all learn something from this magnificent leader.
Dan, I am now opening your posts first. They always cause me to think and get going for the work day.
Ms. Hesselbein is an example to follow. I am so happy she wrote this book so we can know her somewhat. Each of her quotes hold a lot of weight. By weight, I don’t mean importance, I mean lots of meaning, conditions, and much to discuss. That’s what I like. For example:
We embraced, “The philosophy of no surprises.”
This is HARD work. It requires having confidence, knowing oneself, admitting mishaps, being honest with self and others, discerning, being deliberate and responsible, and more!
“Bigness doesn’t inspire anyone.”
I’m afraid bigness inspires some, but they are not people I want to have on board.
“Listening is the essential element of effective leadership.”
Even listening can be mistaken as select-listening. Hearing is an even higher level of listening. Hearing and true listening require questions, checking assumptions, and coming to a mutual understanding. This doesn’t happen on email or Twitter.
I like this the best:
When you face resistance, Frances says, “Save the face and the dignity of the people who oppose the initiative.” Absolutely remarkable. How hard is this? It is all a matter of inner will and constant refinement. I know she is not just talking. She walks her talk.
“Listening is the essential element of effective leadership.” Excellent philosophy!
It sounds like a masterpiece! Looking forward to picking it up. I am so glad that I found the Leadership Freak! The tweets are extremely valuable and insightful, not to mention the superb quotes. Thanks for the VALUE you have created and shared with this great planet!
“Listening is the essential element of effective leadership.”
Listening is a required prerequisite for leadership, which is unfortunately too often ignored. Something to keep in mind when considering a new opportunity – does your new leader truly listen to their team?
Dan
I am so interested in reading this book! When I saw Frances, I had this thought on my mind…”Atlas Shrugged personality”
“I asked Frances how she responds to people that resist initiatives. Her response to them is, “Let’s talk about it.””
Frances Hesselbein
“Bonus: I was recently elected to the International Board of Directors for an orphanage in South Africa. Some readers may find Frances’ suggestions on questions every potential director should ask useful. 10 Questions potential directors should ask.”
congratulations
can I see the website for your orphanage, please?
Best Wishes
Martyna
As a former board member, I was particularly interested in Ms. Hesselbein’s remarks about that role. And, as a “leader” of a small business for about a million years, and intimately familiar with those struggles, I remain fascinated by the leaders of larger endeavors. Congratulations, Ms. Hesselbein. And, thanks for sharing.
I like these quotes – insightful. I especially liked the emphasis on listening. When you truly listen, they can tell that you care. Thanks for sharing.
Robert Litzenberger.
Dan I also had never heard of this young lady but am certainly impressed and do plan to eventually get the book (Unless I win a copy :). I also as Paula really liked her definition of leadership. It definitely resonated with me and although I understand some of the other comments regarding the need ” to do ” I would submit that yes it is important but the ” to do ” does not over-ride the “how to be.” The latter is what gives value to the former and most critically “makes it stick” and endure. Thanks, Al
Looks like a great book. Always inspiring to see people in their calling.
Thanks! Over the past few months I’ve been learning more and more about the quote about “listening as the essential element.” So true…
Looks like an interesting book to read. I believe in “managing from the left and leading from the right”. Like leaders for instance find the right wall the ladder is leaning towards and managers decide how to climb the ladder.
That whole notion of “honoring the past while intensely defining the future” is a vital task for creative leadership in any long-tenured organization.
Clearly a book that needs to go on the must read list!!
I can’t wait to read this book. Years ago (maybe 1995?) my organization hosted a conversation with Peter Drucker and Frances Hesselbein and I still carry the notes I took that day. Their perspectives on organizational leadership really influenced my career choice and I am forever grateful. I expect the book will become dog-eared quickly.
Frances is a wonderful example of growing older in grace and wisdom. She has the right view of leadership: A good leader is a supporter and a guide with a great vision. She has a godly approach even to conflict. “‘Come let us reason together’ says the Lord.” Isaiah 1:18. Thank you for sharing her book info!
Looks good. I like your blog.Hope, I’ll have a chance to have a free copy
The summary chapter of Dr. Stephen Sample’s book, “The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership” talks about the being president versus the doing president – falls right in line with Frances Hasselbein’s leading quote – PERFECT!
I found the “10 questions” are very precise & concise.This is what I would always appreciate in any leader. Eager to read the book.
Frances Hesselbein is amazing. She has truly made a difference through her leadership and isn’t that what we all want!
Dan. Thanks for pointing out this book. I’ll definitely need to read it. When I read in your response to one of the earlier comments, that the author was in her 90’s, I was astounded. Based on your interview and her outlook on leadership, I would have thought that she was much younger. She is definitely a visionary thinker who was ahead of her time.
Love your blog… Look forward to it every day….
Nice read
“You can’t develop a plan, ‘give’ it to ‘the people,’ and expect them feel that it’s theirs.”
Goes right along with engage, engage, engage. The fact that she’s 90, still going strong and still willing to learn let’s me know that she’s a true leader. I love it!
Dear Dan,
The leadership lesson from Frances is really different and surprising. I am curious to know how can you protect the dignity of the person who opposes initiative. Again Engage is magical leadership lesson. I recall from my experience that Engage with people, develops orgnisations, and society.
The new leadership lesson for me is “Bigness doesn’t inspire anyone.” The message is simple and superb. If practiced well, it make you a good human being. However, people generally think and act opposite ” Bigness inspire others”. I think, when you think, you are bigger than someone, you disengage and disconnect with the person. On the other hand, when you show, other is bigger than you, you connect and engage with the person. I get this message with simple and powerful leadership lesson.
The other lesson, I am taking is build and shape your future by thinking forward looking past. So, let us your dream shape your future than the dream that has been passed.
The clips you have shared from Frances’ book really hit home. One of the leadership quotes I have always used is the “no surprises!” It was flattering to see someone in her position use it, too! It is also refreshing to know that “nice” leaders can make it to the top! The ladder of success should not climbed over people, rather engaging and having them enjoy the climb, too. I find others will follow when the 11 elements of the Boy Scout Law are lived, too.
“We learned that the more we include our constituents in the development of program resources, the more acceptable and the more successful they are” seems so obvious, so why is it that so few leaders ‘get it?’
“Save the face and the dignity of the people who oppose the initiative” is central to converting enemies to allies. It would be nice if not only business leaders, but politicians embraced this principle.
I really liked this quote– She adds, “We learned that the more we include our constituents in the development of program resources, the more acceptable and the more successful they are.” I really need that reminder every day!
Looks like a great book to read – a book full of wisdom. Thanks for sharing and I love reading your tweets and blog.
Great find!
Those that resist are worth investing in since they have engaged in what made them successful under the old order of things. It seems likely that the ‘Lets talk about it’ approach is the most likely method to focus on the greatest differences / similarities and the things that are really important. The thinkers will help to shape the future based on what they have learned from the past. They are most likely to engage when the see the benefit of the new order and can participate in avoiding the traps set by the non thinkers.
I believe it is the luke warm supporters that are the real worry. These may be those that would not strive to achive the pace required in the past or can not see why they should do so in the future. These are likely to be the hot air balloons that lack the structure and substance that can really shape the future.
When we want to shape the future we need dialogue that engages an energetic response. Resistance is a positive thing and may simply be misguided support. Resistance shows engagement with the situation and a competative spirit. Resistance is part of diversity and diversity leads to innovation. Perhaps resistance is the mother of the next great opportunity.
All opportunities require conviction and resilliance on the journey to successful delivery. They require that we take (measured) risks and that we commit to honest assessment of progress. Those that resist will help keep us honest about our true progress. I agree that all that aspire to be good leaders should engage with the resistance and enjoy the experience.
I’m taking the idea that leaders should encourage equip and engage while allowing others to lead. Her book will placed on my reading list.
Thanks
Thank you for your tweets. As a young leader in a developing country they definately help!
Thanks Carlos
Love your Twitter Posts!
Thanks Gary
I would love to read this and learn more from this world class leader! I am relatively a young leader, under 40, and recently promoted to the SVP of Sales for my company. I would love to learn more about what made her successful and how she over came challenges.
I love hearing from leaders who have stood the test of time and has great experience from the “trenches.” One way or another, I’m planning to read this book!
*have* 🙂
Love the definition – reminds me of manager vs. Leader discussions where managers do things right and Leaders do the right thing. Also, love that Jim Collins did foreword. Good to Great was an inspiring piece for a young professional aspiring to be a “leader” someday. Thanks!
Would like to read your book. Enjoy your quotes.
“You can’t develop a plan, ‘give’ it to ‘the people,’ and expect them feel that it’s theirs.” During our conversation she used the term; “engage,” like the trinity. She always said it in triplicate, “engage, engage, engage.”
– You have to bring about heart change and learning together to produce change in people. Engaging is exactly what Jesus did, and what we need!
And I’d love the book!
Sounds like a good book!
“Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.” I sit in an executive leadership position with ZERO executive leadership type experience. Every day I feel like I’m floundering trying to figure out what to do to get better. I love this statement because it is so anti-what I’ve been trying to do. Need to just be who I am and trust that the rest will come as I keep learning. Would love to get a copy of this book but even if I didn’t this post was a big help already. Thanks for sharing.
your tweets/words of wisdom inspire my day. huge believer of self-help/personal development/leadership growth.
Leadership is all about making others succesful. Hope your book makes others succesful.
I totally get the line: “Leadership is a matter of how to be not how to do.”
Develope character, gain influence. Thanks for making this book a give-away. I hope I win a copy!
Looks fantastic – like a true visionary!
Looks like a superb, insightful and inspiring read.
The thing about resistance that I like to keep on mind when leading change is: “don’t take it personally; it’s not about you. ” Also: once in a great while, resistance is right. I guess that’s two things.
Frances and LeadershipFreak are both great inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom! I will be getting this book!
I’m not familiar with her book, but the quote about listening being the essential element of effective leadership struck me so hard I now need to discover everything I can about Frances.
Hi Joe,
I found her comment on listening direct and instructive. Frances practices what she preaches.
Best,
Dan
i would absolutely love to get this book ! MUST READ . thank you 🙂
I would LOVE to read this book! I’m aspiring to be an inspirational figure in this world and I would love some tips and pointers on how to suit and emanate my lifestyle for it to happen!
Love your quotes. They are humerous, and uplifting. Thank you for sharing.
Robert,
You are very kind.
Cheers,
Dan
Leadership is interesting as well as challenging for us all. We strive to better leaders in all we do. I enjoy reading the material that helps me better myself. I think this would be a book worth reading, which will help my personal growth.
Healthcare spends millions (billions?) to consulting firms, to patient satisfaction firms to try to glean what patients think and want. Frances says go ask and then listen well. Might save some healthcare $$$ if the direct engagement approach were used eh!