This past week I had the incredible opportunity to hear Dr. Jean Houston and Ms. Connie Buffalo speak on the topic of “Leadership and the Labyrinth of Change.” Both of these women come from a rich background of experience. Dr. Houston is an author, scholar, and founder of a school of human development that explores the many dimensions of human potential. She worked with Mrs. Clinton and helped write the book It Takes A Village to Raise A Child. Dr. Houston has worked with President and Mrs. Carter, the Dalai Lama, and as a high school student, she worked closely with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on developing strategies to introduce international awareness and United Nations work to young people.
Ms. Connie Buffalo teaches Ojibway culture nationally and internationally. She possesses a unique background in National and International security, having designed chemical and biological warfare decontamination systems for governments around the world. This experience gives Ms. Buffalo a special and expansive perspective on the culture changes taking place today.
As I listened and observed these two brilliant women I was caught up in the simplicity and depth of how they presented themselves as well as their message. Neither one flaunted or spoke of her experience as prestigious; rather, their message came from a space of deep humility and respect. They were telling a story with wonderful lessons learned. What I have heard from their rich experience is what I want to share with you.
- What will we harvest from what we have sown in ignorance is much different from that which we sow in knowledge.
- Who we are is much more than compared to what we think we are. We are a treasure house.
- How do we gather the capacities of those we interact with?
- We hide our deepest selves to look acceptable. Can we allow ourselves and others the fullness of whom and what we are?
- We have become addicted to our separations. What are the separations that hold you back from being your authentic self?
- Carry a deep reverence and sense of purpose in the world.
And while these statements are taken out of context; I believe that in and of themselves they provide for us meaningful reflection on how our leadership presence can create incredible change that will harvest the human potential.
