peter zehren, parisian reflections on leadership
DESCRIPTION
Reflections on leadership from the streets of Paris. Having visited Paris several times I have found inspiration and instruction from the culture, the people and the aesthetics. From the Arc de Triomphe, to the window box, to the streets below, there are lessons to be learned from observation.TRANSCRIPT
PARISIAN REFLECTIONS
On Leadership
LEADERSHIP MIXOne of the things Paris taught
me was to explore details. Like the etching in this door knocker, function and beauty
combine through elegant craftsmanship.
A leader can only hope to bring all these elements
together.
UNEXPLORED BYWAYS
I love getting lost in the twists and turns of Paris.
There is a heightening of the senses that comes from
allowing ourselves to traverse the uncharted.
As a leader, we must often face new and unusual
dimensions.
BALANCEEven a meal of bread, cheese
and fruit reflects balance.
The artful placement of flowers and food on a table
can bring an aesthetic balance to life.
PEOPLE PASSIONSharing a meal in a Parisian's apartment
included diverse, interesting conversation.
Leaders can strengthen and build sustainable
relationships by listening to different passions and
perspectives
BEING PROUDI witnessed an induction ceremony at the Arc de
Triomphe.
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
Having a relative’s name etched in the Arc brought a connection
I had not expected.
Leaders give stakeholders reason to be proud.
DOWN TIMEOne morning, I watched
people below waiting outside a shop from my chamber
window.
A reminder that there will probably always be downtime
and that limiting it is an important part of strategy, planning and leadership.
UNIQUENESSWhile we are all similar it is
the individual uniqueness that a leader learns to celebrate.
In aiming for a goal, there are many pathways—one as interesting as the next.
How the goal is reached may not be as important as
reaching it.
TAKE PAUSEStop and smell the flowers.
Paris is full of flowers that are pleasing to the senses.
It is a reminder to de-stress our lives; to build in ways to
reboot.
It also reminders us that using all your senses creates
clearer communication.
THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP
Peter Zehren has worked in the nonprofit sector for years helping
organizations refine mission-based, results driven fundraising.
His strength in launching new technologies and innovative strategies have increased
fundraising efforts by over 30% in one year alone.
He attributes his success to remaining open to the art of the
possible.More about Peter Zehren