These human resource milestones were reflected in dollars and cents: its stock market value doubled between 2015 and 2020, while their competitors’ shares dropped 50%, and its brand value grew from $2.8 billion to $6.2 billion. In 2021, it was one of the top three brands in the Middle East, serving at least 11 countries. A Small Non-Profit in Los Angeles A small non-profit music education coalition in Los Angeles, United States, was founded by a music teacher genuinely passionate about helping children learn music. Through sheer grit and force of will, she built the organization to include several teachers, dozens of children, and multiple instruments. This “force of will” proved to be a two-edge sword, however, and eventually teacher after teacher left the group, taking their private students with them, and the organization dwindled by two-thirds. Finally, most of the last few teachers also threatened to leave if significant changes were not made at the top. With the organization then in its 40th year, its demise would have been tragic: hundreds of children over the years, including now- professional musicians, had their roots in this musical enterprise. Fortunately, a few of the remaining teachers stepped up and began applying principles of sound leadership and organizational scholarship.
The original founder was encouraged to step aside and assume the role of Director Emeritus. With new, positive leadership, all the remaining teachers deeply and extensively discussed the vision and purpose of their organization. They surveyed the parents and children to find out what they liked best about the activities and focus, and how the organization could be improved to fulfill its vision and expand its reach. With this new enthusiasm and positive direction, the organization began to revive and became a place where students, parents, and teachers love to participate. During the global pandemic that began in March 2020, many similar music education coalitions in the area simply stopped providing services because of lockdowns in the United States. However, the leaders and teachers of this coalition were fiercely determined to continue bringing the joy of music to their students, and to be a bright spot for these children whose lives had been so drastically upended. For well over a year they taught music lessons online, creatively adapting their methods, and providing
Again, principles of ennobled leadership and positive practices revived an organization that had once looked doomed. Science-backed Principles How did these three organizations achieve such astonishing results, even though the organizations were from very different business, geographic, and cultural contexts? They did so by using ennobled leadership principles which are often displayed by women and which transcend time, location, and culture. In addition they applied the positive practices which embody those principles. What are some of the universal truths and science-backed principles common to these diverse turn-around situations? They include: •humility within leaders at all levels •positively energizing relationships and relationship networks •strengths-based approach to problem solving •values-based decision making •flexibility/adaptability •institutionalized forgiveness •gratitude and generosity In a word, looking toward “the common welfare” and having “charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence” – traits highly identified with women – bring benefits for everyone within the organization.
additional Parent Support Forums on topics such as
resilience and motivation. After the pandemic restrictions were eased and live lessons resumed, they used positive principles and practices to reintegrate the group. They are now planning the 50th anniversary of the organization, to take place in 2024.
“Wisdom Gained from the Journey to Elevate Business”
What are some of the golden nuggets of wisdom gleaned from
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