Graceful leaders are unafraid of the unknown. They have a sincere curiosity that fuels their own energy which in turn affects that of others. There is a willingness to go beyond the normal bounds of their knowledge sources in order to broaden their perspective. These leaders imagine possibilities and opportunities - – and they encourage others to imagine the future.
Knowing that asking questions that spark innovation and creativity is much better than having “answers” themselves, graceful leaders encourage others to reach their potential.
From Mary Ellen Slayter’s Learn to Glow: “They are on an inner quest that ignites their own energy and that of others. Ask questions that spark energy, to engross and interest others as well as your own curiosity. Create visions that compel. These are visions of the future that you and your colleagues can buy into, that encourage others to imagine the future and to become excited about being involved in that future. Craft meaningful and exciting work.”
Sure, you want logic and rational thought to be a part of the problem-solving process. But you need more than that. I would imagine (now more than ever) the need for creativity and innovation has never been greater. The potential for disruptive ideas in science, medicine, and technology are out there just waiting to be discovered and applied to help get us ahead of this recession. And, it is a matter of a sense of urgency – the “good kind” - based on “relentless focus on only doing those things that will move business forward” (John Kotter).
There are many big ideas yet to be unleashed. Graceful leaders inspire others to be their best by energizing them to imagine the big opportunities of the future with their hearts and minds. How? By creating and sustaining a sense of urgency about what they’re doing. And that means supporting the efforts of others by enabling them to do the right things – - starting NOW!
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