034: Unleashing the Power of Decisiveness

Leadership is often glamorized as a position of power and authority, a symbol of success and accomplishment.

However, true leadership is not about titles or positions but rather about decision-making in the face of adversity.

It is about overcoming obstacles, pushing through difficult circumstances, and inspiring others to follow your lead.

Today, we explore the inspiring story of Helen Keller, a woman who embodied the true essence of leadership and decision-making, and learn from her example how we too can become better leaders in our lives and businesses.

Helen Keller is a name that needs no introduction. She was an American author, political activist, and lecturer who became both blind and deaf at the age of two. Despite facing these challenges, she went on to become an inspiration to many people around the world.

What many people may not know is that Keller was also a remarkable leader and decision-maker. Her life story is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and vision.

Keller's journey to becoming a leader began when she met her lifelong teacher and mentor, Anne Sullivan. Sullivan recognized Keller's potential and set out to help her overcome her disabilities. She taught Keller to communicate using a tactile sign language system and braille.

Through Sullivan's guidance and Keller's determination, Keller became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and later, a Master's degree.

But Keller's leadership skills went beyond academic achievements. She was a political activist who used her platform to advocate for women's rights, labour rights, and disability rights.

In 1915, Keller helped found the American Civil Liberties Union, an organization dedicated to protecting the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Keller was also a strong advocate for international peace and worked tirelessly to promote understanding and cooperation between nations. She was a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and even travelled to Japan in 1948 to promote peace and understanding between the United States and Japan.

Throughout her life, Keller faced numerous obstacles and challenges, but she never let them stop her from pursuing her goals. Her leadership style was characterized by her strong vision, persistence, and ability to inspire others.

One of the most remarkable examples of Keller's leadership and decision-making came when she advocated for the creation of the American Foundation for the Blind. Keller recognized that there was a need for an organization that could provide services and support to people who were blind or visually impaired.

Despite facing opposition from some members of the blindness community, who believed that blind people should be completely self-sufficient, Keller remained steadfast in her mission. She worked tirelessly to promote the idea of a national organization for the blind and lobbied government officials and influential individuals for support.

Her persistence paid off, and in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind was founded, with Keller as one of its founding members.

Keller's leadership and decision-making skills were driven by her strong sense of purpose and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. Her ability to overcome her own challenges and inspire others to do the same is a testament to her remarkable character.

In conclusion, Helen Keller's life story is a remarkable example of leadership and decision-making. Her journey from a young girl who was both deaf and blind to a world-renowned advocate for human rights and international peace is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and vision.

One powerful action item that founders can learn from Helen Keller's story is to practice active listening. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, understanding their perspective, and responding in a thoughtful and empathetic manner.

As Keller demonstrated, active listening is not only essential for building meaningful relationships but also for making better decisions as a leader. By truly understanding the needs and perspectives of their team members, founders can make more informed decisions that benefit the entire organization.

To start practising active listening, founders can:

1. Focus on the speaker: Eliminate distractions and actively listen to what the other person is saying. Pay attention to their tone of voice, body language, and any nonverbal cues.

2. Ask questions: Clarify any confusion or uncertainty by asking open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings.

3. Practice empathy: Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their perspective. This will help you to respond in a more thoughtful and empathetic manner.

By making a conscious effort to practice active listening, founders can build stronger relationships with their team members, make better decisions, and ultimately achieve greater success.

Action Item to start RIGHT NOW:

Take 10 minutes to have a conversation with a team member or colleague and practice active listening. Focus on what they are saying, ask open-ended questions, and try to understand their perspective.

Closing Thoughts

The story of Helen Keller teaches us that great leadership and decision-making require more than just intelligence and determination.

It requires the ability to adapt, innovate, think creatively, and have the courage to take risks.

It requires a willingness to listen, to learn, and to be humble. And it requires a sense of purpose that is greater than oneself, and a commitment to a cause that is worthy of one's talents and energies.

By applying the lessons of Helen Keller's remarkable life, we too can become better leaders, better decision-makers, and better human beings.

So let us embrace the challenge and strive to make a difference in our own unique way.

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