The first step before taking action is understanding. Ask questions, listen, reflect, decide, act. #LegacyofLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership #Vision #Understanding #LeadershipDevelopment #AspenLeadershipSeminars
Walter Paepcke, in a 1952 letter to high-potential leaders & CEOs (at the time all presumed to be male), posed an opportunity to explore the “human problems” at the core of leadership development work. In making the case for why this work is beneficial, Paepcke also makes a central claim we still follow today: “Leadership demands both vision and understanding.” Only by seeking to understand beliefs, perspectives, and values different than their own can leaders successfully navigate the demands of their position. Paepcke understood the demands of leadership. He also understood that nothing great happens in isolation, which is why he founded The Aspen Institute and turned to his colleagues for help. As you read this letter, ask yourself: -- Who do I go to for help? -- What human problems do I encounter in my work? -- What broader impact do I seek to have? -- How can I empower my teams to develop the tools of self-reflection and self-correction? #LegacyofLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership #Vision #Understanding #LeadershipDevelopment #AspenLeadershipSeminars
