Poetry and Leadership

by Shanon Olsen


When a member of my team was completing her degree in Organizational Development, one of the biggest stretches her advisor offered her was this: to take a poetry class. In that moment she heard herself say, "What does poetry have to do with leadership, let alone the world of Organizational Development?"

David Whyte, a world renowned poet in the field of vocation, work, and organizational leadership, says this: "In organizational settings, using poetry and thoughtful commentary can foster qualities of courage and engagement; qualities needed if we are to respond to today’s call for increased creativity and adaptability in the workplace."

We use poetry in our trainings and retreats as a way to slow down and listen more intently to ourselves and surroundings. In many ways, the writing of poetry can be seen as a lens through which we interpret and describe the world, painting a powerful picture of our emotions, perspectives, relationships, and even how we show up as a leader. The act of writing poetry can support the defining of experiences that we may not otherwise know how to describe. Writing poetry challenges us to move from our overused pragmatic, linear, and concrete left brain into the more creative, timeless, and intuitive right brain. Poetry can move us quickly from intellect to emotion, ground us in our heart and values, and remind us of the power of language -- all of which are useful for great leaders.
 
We challenge you to be poetic, put pen to paper, and be willing to be surprised by the words you find yourself writing. We invite you to consider what this practice could give you access to. Slow down enough to listen to the voice within that has such a great deal to say.
 
Here is a poem we received from a Yahoo Group we subscribe to called Panhala. We are grateful for this daily dose of poetry.  

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

~ John O'Donohue ~