Page 225 - Appreciative Leadership

198 Appreciative Leadership

In some cultures children are named to reflect their potential. Family
and community members listen to the spirit of the child before it is
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born to learn the gifts it is bringing to the world and to hear its name.
In other societies, young people are taken on as apprentices at an early
age so that their implicit talents can be revealed. Everyone has poten-
tial; and everyone is responsible for its cultivation.
It may seem to you that your own personal development is a
small contribution when compared to saving the rain forest, invent-
ing a new technology, or managing a city. Personal development may

seem small; but it is not. It is the first and most essential way to make

a positive difference. It creates a solid foundation for organization
and community life. The Lakota phrase Lena ecunk’unpi, hecel oyate

ki ninpe kte translates to say, “We do these things so the people may
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live.” This means that everything we do has an impact on the life of

the people. Everything. So whatever you do to develop your strengths,
talents, knowledge, and wisdom makes a positive diff erence. Personal
development in any of the following areas strengthens your capacity

to make a positive difference in the lives of others:

• Cultural awareness: Recognize, respect, and communicate with

people of differing cultures, lifestyles, and worldviews.
• Emotional intelligence: Appropriately sense and express emotions,
and listen compassionately and respond to those expressed by
others.

• Appreciative intelligence: See the inherent positive potential in a
person or situation.

• Technology friendliness: Be at ease learning and using technology.
• Physical well-being: Make choices that promote physical fi tness,
strength, and health.
• Financial savvy: Earn, use, and give away money in ways that care
for self, family, and society.
• Environmental sensitivity: Actively support human activities that
respect and care for the earth and all living beings.