Bill Gates recently shared his list of “5 good books for a lousy year.” As I did in 2019, I’d like to share my own year-end list, albeit of a different kind.
I wear many hats in my work with foundations and nonprofits – thought-partner, planner, facilitator, coach and organizational “therapist.” The connecting thread is helping people and organizations pursue change – first in themselves and their organizations, then in their work out in the world.
The challenges of this past year, and yes, the opportunities, seemingly drew me to more pointed quotes and to those reflective of the change happening all around us. For me, each speaks truth. I hope you’ll find some valuable insights as well. Enjoy!
We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.
- Abigail Adams
If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own.
- Chinua Achebe
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
- Rumi
One sometimes finds what one is not looking for.
- Alexander Fleming
Leadership is the art of disappointing people at a rate they can stand.*
- John Ortberg, Jr
God may not play dice but he enjoys a good round of Trivial Pursuit every now and again.
- Federico Fellini
*Tip of the hat to Marc Ross Manashil for getting this quote on my radar. Most of the other quotes were featured in The Economist’s Espresso morning briefing.
