Theresa Kiely
About Theresa Kiely
Posts by Theresa Kiely:
5 Reasons for Leaders to Embrace Conflict and Compassion
Mindful Team Dynamics: Achieving Focus is as Simple as 1, 2, & 3
The Complex Intersection of Compassion and Leadership
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Learning Mindful Leadership: It Takes Practice!
When I teach nonprofit leadership, students want the magic formula. What model, theory, book or philosophy will make me a CEO tomorrow. “It doesn’t exist”, I say almost apologetically. Don’t get me wrong, they do help; otherwise, I would not have a career. In the world of leadership, words and books can only take you so far. While theories and principles may provide valuable insights, true leadership is a skill that is honed through real-life experiences. It is trial and error that truly teaches us how to lead effectively. These parents may be harsh and unforgiving, but the lessons they impart can be profoundly transformative.
Think of it this way: you can read countless books and even engage in virtual videos on how to drive a car or fly a plane. But most of us do not want to take a cross-country flight with a pilot who hasn’t had hundreds of hours of practice. Leadership operates in a similar manner—it requires immersion and practical experience. It isn’t effective unless you bear the risks and rewards of your actions.
I am particularly appreciative of what I call crucible lessons. Those moments of high emotion, intensity, and often great consequences, where leaders are truly tested. These moments can arise from a crisis, a challenging project, or a difficult team dynamic. In these crucible lessons, leaders are pushed to their limits, and their true character and abilities are revealed. These moments are powerful and the greatest teachers we can have.
I have had many of these moments- and still have them today. They are uncomfortable. At the time I probably would have requested a pass. “Thank you- let’s skip this lesson this time.” Upon reflection, they gave me the skills I needed to climb the ladder of leadership. Thank you, universe, for giving me difficult people, challenging policies, and people who taught me the value of DE&I, empathy, responsibility and countless other lessons. These crucible moments have made me a better leader.
When I teach nonprofit leadership, students want the magic formula. What model, theory, book or philosophy will make me a CEO tomorrow. “It doesn’t exist”, I say almost apologetically. Don’t get me wrong, they do help; otherwise, I would not have a career. In the world of leadership, words and books can only take you so far. While theories and principles may provide valuable insights, true leadership is a skill that is honed through real-life experiences. It is trial and error that truly teaches us how to lead effectively. These parents may be harsh and unforgiving, but the lessons they impart can be profoundly transformative.
Think of it this way: you can read countless books and even engage in virtual videos on how to drive a car or fly a plane. But most of us do not want to take a cross-country flight with a pilot who hasn’t had hundreds of hours of practice. Leadership operates in a similar manner—it requires immersion and practical experience. It isn’t effective unless you bear the risks and rewards of your actions.
I am particularly appreciative of what I call crucible lessons. Those moments of high emotion, intensity, and often great consequences, where leaders are truly tested. These moments can arise from a crisis, a challenging project, or a difficult team dynamic. In these crucible lessons, leaders are pushed to their limits, and their true character and abilities are revealed. These moments are powerful and the greatest teachers we can have.
I have had many of these moments- and still have them today. They are uncomfortable. At the time I probably would have requested a pass. “Thank you- let’s skip this lesson this time.” Upon reflection, they gave me the skills I needed to climb the ladder of leadership. Thank you, universe, for giving me difficult people, challenging policies, and people who taught me the value of DE&I, empathy, responsibility and countless other lessons. These crucible moments have made me a better leader.
The Art of Curiosity in Leadership: A Catalyst for Career Success
Exploring Attentional Literacy: A Pathway to Mindful Awareness
5 Practices to Enhance the Skill of Equanimity: A Crucial Mindful Leadership Skill
Leading is not Managing: Critical Differences and Roles
Leadership Beyond Position: My Perspective
The ABC’s to a Gratitude Practice
Hey folks! Today, I want to talk about gratitude, but in a simple, down-to-earth way. When we think about it, we often frame gratitude as saying thank you for the big stuff or to particular people. “I am grateful for my team… (which, btw I am!). But gratitude is also about appreciating the little things; it […]
In the quest to unravel the complexity of leadership, it’s enlightening to first demystify what it isn’t. Leadership IS NOT synonymous with a position. Take a moment to ponder: if you’re promoted to a management role, does it inherently make you a leader? Not necessarily. True leadership often predates the title, emerging from recognized qualities within.
Leadership knows no bounds, transcending titles and paychecks. The nonprofit sector magnifies this truth. Within its realm are passionate advocates for various missions that increase our collective quality of life while constantly trying to move us closer toward civil society. These champions may lack formal titles, yet they hold sway as leaders, steering us towards altruism and community support.
Confusion often arises when people merge leadership attributes with positions of authority. While there may overlap, they diverge fundamentally. CEO, director, or coordinator roles may encompass leadership, but not exclusively. Authentic leaders can emerge from unexpected quarters, unburdened by titles. Conversely, some in positions wield no true leadership – responsibility without inspiration.
Differentiating between leadership and position crystallizes when considering informal leaders. Picture your community, family, or spiritual congregation. Certain individuals stand tall, not due to titles but their impact. Motivated by purpose, not paychecks, they enrich others’ lives. Revered for their vision, integrity and commitment, they shape the future through the exciting imagination of something better.
In essence, leadership thrives independently of titles. It’s a symphony of purpose, passion, and community wellbeing, resonating beyond hierarchical organizational charts.