The Heart of an Artist

At the heart level, I’m not a leader. But I’ve often led things. A vacation Bible school. The WCA’s creative team. The K-5th grade parent teacher association. Our adult community at church. Over the past four years, I’ve had the joy of leading a weekly small group with a dozen high school girls.

During a Summit webcast on March 17, Gary Hamel talked about innovation, using Apple as an example of excellence. He said, “Apple innovates with the mind of an engineer and the heart of an artist.” That word picture spoke to me beyond the topic of innovation. It lit a light bulb in my head that explains my relationship to leadership. I have the heart of a communicator. My gifts rest in mercy, hospitality, and encouragement. But through intentional input, especially the influence of The Global Leadership Summit I’ve been developing the mind of a leader.

So when it comes to leadership development, don’t count yourself out, even if your heart rings more brightly with something other than leadership. Your mind is ready and able to learn. And leadership skills are great traveling companions when your heart starts to follow its passions.

New video featuring Gary Hamel, Innovative Business Thinker.

by: Nancy Gruben (@NancyGruben)
Communications, WCA