My Life in Leadership: The Journey and Lessons Learned Along the Way

Full citation: Hesselbein, Frances. 2011. My Life in Leadership: The Journey and Lessons Leaned Along the Way.  San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Contributed by Margaret Donohoe

Described as a national treasure, an inspiration and a shining light, Frances Hesselbein and her life story continue to be one of the most remarkable sagas that have been rooted in the nonprofit sector. How did a woman with no college degree rise from a troop leader to become the CEO of the Girl Scouts, win the Presidential Medal of Freedom and be named by Fortune Magazine as the “Best Nonprofit Manager in America”?  I guess you will just have to read the book…

Many of us in the nonprofit sector have been privileged to meet or learn from Hesselbein at some point in our career.  Her outstanding work with the Girl Scouts is legendary, not to mention her leadership of the Peter Drucker Foundation (later renamed as the Leader to Leader Institute). Behind her diminutive stature stands a very “tall” role model of character, commitment to mission, inclusiveness, humility and selflessness.

The book captures her life story, her values and beliefs, and most importantly leadership lessons she learned from her extended family and ordinary people in her life as well some of the most distinguished leaders of our time including Peter Drucker, John Gardner, Max Depree, Jim Collins, and Marshal Goldsmith.

Some of those lessons include:

• Find the best minds in whatever field and take them as mentors.  Hesselbein was a fan of Drucker long before she ever met him.

• Let go of hierarchy. She believes that leaders should be at the middle of the organization chart not the top.

• Make learning central to your organization. “The first item in your budget should be learning, education and development of your people, including volunteers.”

• Do your research.  Hesselbein was a strong believer in listening to the customer and doing your research before implementing any change.

• The power of diversity and inclusion. Under Hesselbein’s leadership, the Girl Scouts tripled their membership from racial and ethnic groups.

• And my personal favorite, leadership is about the how to be, not the how to do. “The leader of today and the future will focus on how to develop character, mind-set, values, principles and courage.”

The book is informal, personal, and inspiring.  The stories and insights from her work with the Girl Scouts as well as the Leader to Leader Institute will resonate with nonprofit leaders from program volunteers to the Board and management.  It is a quick read, about 90 minutes, perfect for a long commute, short trip, retreat, or relaxed Sunday afternoon.  A great gift for that up-and-coming leader on your community, staff, or board.

Where to order this book online: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470905735/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cvfundraising-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0470905735
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