I’m working with 25 leaders today who are thinking about arts and culture and how it relates to leadership. I shared with the group this idea:

 

The quality of my donating (action and leadership) is affected by the quality of my receiving (what I take in that nourishes me).

 

When art is merely entertainment (a diversion from the journey –which is not a bad thing), it diminishes its role IN the journey. Art, beauty, reflection and related dynamics are part of how a person, a leader, nourishes him/herself. The nourished leader is more likely to be creative, innovative and inspiring during the day. And soon, that leader becomes artistic in the way he or she leads. The art begins as an outer nourishment and then becomes the expression of HOW a leader leads.

 

What nourishes you?