As all the previous Benis’ chapters, Forging the Future also has much insightful knowledge and wisdom.
The comments about Chaos are really inspiring, because they 1. they develop an optimistic view and 2. help you stay leveled and calm when a disaster is all around you.
” Chaos is all around us now, but the leader knows that chaos is the beginning, not the end. Chaos is the source of energy and momentum”
I’v also enjoyed Max De Pree’s quote from the Leadership is an Art, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last thing is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant”.
Defining the reality is crucial, and Benis talks more about it his discussion of envisioning the future, and assessing the current situation in order to develop something new. I think it is also a challenging task to “Define reality”. I will try it someday. I’ll sit down and brainstorm everything I think about the current world reality and the reality of my nearest surrounding.
Other quotes I’d like to stash in my bag of knowledge include
“Vision is a waking dream”
“Failure is not the crime. Low aim is”
“I never know what I say until I hear the response” – get other’s opinion of yourself to get a better understanding of your actions and who you are. A spouse, Benis mentions would be the best source to the truth about yourself
“Leaders need people around them to have contrary views” – an important part of perfecting your goals and vision
I’ve also laughed over Benis’ story of Khruschev’s visit to the U.S. 🙂
“Optimism, faith and hope” – I consider to be my personal attributes as well. I am a much of an optimist, rather than a pessimist, and may need to find a COO to manage my vision as John Sculley did.
