Week 22.49 The Great Frances Hesselbein
Yesterday the indomitable Frances Hesselbein passed away at the age of 107. Since I first met her in 2017, she has inspired me to re-examine the world around me, challenge old beliefs, and break old habits. She challenged me to consider what I can change, what I can let go of, and what I should start. No matter how complex, complicated, or ambitious the situation, Frances reminded me that leadership comes down to a few simple principles applied consistently with the head and heart. I've selected some of my favorite Frances quotes and how they have impacted my life and leadership in the years I've known her.
"Listening is an art." Choosing what to listen to and then listening intentionally is everything. I've been trying an experiment: rather than always having music on, listening to a podcast, or speaking on the phone when I am walking outside, instead, I am listening to the world. I can attune my hearing to sounds that I would not have otherwise noticed, sometimes the sounds of nature, other times an interesting or funny conversation. I am practicing listening in 5D, hearing the sound, noticing where the sound is coming from, and searching for the sounds within the sound. I work on developing a deeper appreciation for sounds and a more nuanced sense of words. That practice is making me a better listener when I am in conversation. I am practicing artful listening.
"Leadership is how to be, not how to do." For Frances, leadership is a head and heart project and includes appreciation for each person in your life, your opportunities, and the service you can provide. And "being" for Frances means "gratitude." The more you do it, the more you are it. I have observed that leaders learn and apply this lesson earlier than ever. With practice, the form of authentic leadership comes easy and creates ease. Frances was a pioneer in a leadership style that is finally coming of age.
"Love and be loved, in that order" is a quote that I attribute to Frances Hesselbein. In my walks in the city, I practice loving everyone. I am thinking about people I see on the street who interact with others and don't care about me. I am thinking about the people I work with, my friends, acquaintances, family, and people I no longer see. It is what the Dalai Lama calls practicing warm-heartedness. My observation is that by following the wisdom of these great leaders, I am calmer and happier, and my mind is more open to creativity and new ideas. Frances was my inspiration for these practices, and I remember her with each intention.
Listening, gratitude, and love are all within our control. The more we practice, the more we have. Her passing has me thinking once again of her genius for being and inspiring so many leaders, and the graceful example she set with her life. Try her wisdom on and see how it feels, being sure to observe how others respond to it. "To live is to serve" is one of Frances' favorite expressions and perhaps the strongest of her codes for a good life. Frances inspired countless individuals and organizations to live her values and commit to a life of service. In this way, Frances will live on well beyond her extraordinary 107 years, continuing to live through the service she inspired in others for centuries to come.
With love, wonder and gratitude - thank you, Frances.
Frances Hesselbein, a Pitt visionary and one of the world’s ‘greatest leaders,’ has died at 107
In 2015, Fortune magazine ranked her as one of “The World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” putting her in company with figures such as Pope Francis, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Mark Zuckerberg, cofounder and CEO of Meta. Hesselbein was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton in 1998 for her leadership as CEO of Girl Scouts of the United States of America from 1976-1990, as well as her service as “a pioneer for women, volunteerism, diversity and opportunity.” Her contributions were also recognized by President George H. W. Bush, who appointed her to the Presidential Commission on National and on Community Service.
Hesselbein was named a senior leader at the United States Military Academy’s 2008 National Conference on Ethics in America. In 2007, she was awarded the John F. Kennedy Memorial Fellowship by Fulbright New Zealand and was the first recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Security Award in 2003. She was the recipient of 22 honorary doctoral degrees, the co-editor of 35 books in 21 languages and the author of several books. Hesselbein traveled to 68 countries representing the United States.
Remembering Frances Hesselbein by Rita McGrath
When leadership coach and major award winner Marshall Goldsmith describes you as the greatest leader he has ever met, that’s saying something. Frances Hesselbein was one of the last of a generation that included Peter Drucker, a group of influential thought leaders who created much of what we know as great leadership today.
Hesselbein, born in 1915, passed away at the age of 107 in 2022.
I first met Frances Hesselbein some years ago, before she passed her 100th birthday. While she was well beyond Octogenarian status even then, I vividly remember her downing glasses of champagne and teasing the CEO’s gathered around her at a dinner hosted by well-known executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith.
I had no idea who she was. Perhaps you don’t, either. Some background follows.