LeadershipConneXtions

Ansel Adams

One of my favorite artists (photographer) is Ansel Adams. I just came across a statement by Adams that explains his approach to photography.

My approach to photography is based on my belief in the vigor and values of the world of nature, in aspects of grandeur and minutiae all around us. I believe in people, in the simpler aspects of human life, in the relation of man to nature. I believe man must be free, both in spirit and society, that he must build strength into himself, affirming the enormous beauty of the world and acquiring the confidence to see and to express his vision. And I believe in photography as one means of expressing this affirmation and of achieving the ultimate in happiness and faith.  (Adams)

One of my favorites by Adams is the striking picture of the snow covered tree.

If you are interested in checking out Ansel Adams resources, click here on: Ansel Adams

Brian Rice

Goya on Life Long Learning

Life Long Learning is one of our passions and personal values. Bobby Clinton says that one of the qualities of those leaders who ARE NOT FINISHING WELL is that somewhere along the way they stopped learning. They settled into life on a plateau. And on the other side, one of the characteristics of leaders WHO DO FINISH WELL is that they find ways to constantly learn and grow.

Here is a quote by Francisco de Goya, and a "setup" by Ian Jackman to introduce it.

Long deaf, and old and infirm, Goya (1746-1828) wrote on one of his last drawings, "I keep learning."

I hope that on one of my last sermons, or last seminar notes, or blogs, (many years from now) I will be able to write those same words. "I keep learning."

Click here on GOYA to go a good website on Goya.

Brian Rice

On Being an Ecclectic Leader

Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) was an abstract expressionist painter born in Rotterdam. I came across this quote by de Kooning.

I am an eclectic painter by chance; I can open almost any book of reproductions and find a painting I could be influenced by.

As I read that, I thought about eclectic leadership. I am an eclectic leader. I can open almost any book on leadership and find an idea, a tool, a model that I can be influenced by. I think that some of the best leaders are those who read widely, think broadly, synthesize wisely and find their own "Leadership Voice" as they integrate their reading, thinking and synthesizing.

So . . .

1. Who has been influencing you lately?
2. What are you reading that is providing the raw material for reflection?
3. What are some of your newest and best thoughts on faithful and fruitful leadership?

Brian Rice