Page 223 - Appreciative Leadership

196 Appreciative Leadership

Appreciative Leadership in Action

You can use Appreciative Leadership practices to meaningfully make

a difference in the lives of others one at a time, or collectively through
programs and policies, social innovation, collaboration, and transfor-
mation. Every day, people throughout the world make a positive dif-
ference in the lives of others.
Read this list of appreciative leaders slowly, as if poetry, through
the lens of your appreciative eyes:

• People who say hello in the hallways, who hold doors open for

young and old alike, who smile first or comment on a beautiful day
• Soldiers serving on behalf of peace, saying it is an honor to risk
their lives to defend their country and protect their loved ones
• Artists painting, singing, and dancing beauty, harmony, and joy
into life on canvas, television, and YouTube
• Researchers seeking cures and prevention for illnesses such as
cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and HIV/AIDS
• Students reading books, attending college, technical school, semi-
nary, or medical school, studying to learn and enhance their abili-
ties to contribute to society
• Parents fighting to overcome adversity, cold weather, illness, fam-

ine, immigration, or war to care for their families
• Women and men of spirit and religion who pray and conduct cer-
emonies for the well-being of others
• People who put aside historical injustice to forgive and heal the
divides that separate people and societies

• Grandmothers and grandfathers who fill the hearts and minds of
children with stories of hope for a better life
• Elected and volunteer public officials and workers who care for

the infrastructures of our societies
• And, yes, CEOs of major corporations whose foresight and abili-
ties to align complex social, political, environmental, and eco-
nomic dynamics get cars on the streets, cereal on the breakfast
tables, and medicines in the pharmacies