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October 22, 1997
Dear (Executive Director),
I am all squeezed out, but not for naught,
I think. In the last year, I have become painfully aware of our
growing need for deep dialogue and public exploration of what
leadership is and must become -- of how we grow and renew spirit
in our own communities and organizations, of what it means to
invite and truly make space for whole persons to join
our work, and what it means to go beyond fitting them into the
plan and allow the plan to be continually redefined by those
who come forward with passion and a sense of personal responsibility
for the whole.
I have learned, this year, how much energy
this all takes and how terribly difficult it can be for all of
us to be with each other, as listeners and leaders, rather than
always being for each other as managers and doers. And finally,
I've remembered that spirit and passion and responsibility can't
be squashed, only squeezed out -- and freed to flow into new
spaces.
And so I am, squeezed out -- painfully aware
that the Council never really heard all of what I have to offer,
sorry that I did not make more space for everyone else, and hopeful
that we'll all do it better next time. This is what we're all
about anyway, isn't it?
Best for now,
Michael
| (...becomes
public invitation) |
December, 1997
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
This is the time of year when we return home,
in so many ways, to retell the stories and act out the rituals
that remind us who we are and prepare us for the possibilities
of the coming year. It's a time of thanksgiving and anticipation.
In that spirit, I want to thank you for the difference you've
made this year and invite your participation in an emerging community
conversation...
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SPIRIT AT WORK
Sunday, January 11th
12:30p to 4:30p
The Crossroads Center at Old St. Patrick's
Church
711 West Monroe Street, Chicago
$7 in advance or $10 at the door
will cover the cost of food and drinks
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Please join us for a warm afternoon in January,
for storytelling, learning and planning, for personal reflection
and a deep sense of community, as we explore the possibilities
for leadership where we are...for what it is and must become...for
ways to grow and renew spirit where we live and work...for what
it means to invite and truly make space for wholeness in our
lives...for flexible structures that can support real passion
and responsible choice...as we create the workplaces and world
we really want to be in. Call Michael Herman at 312-280-7838
to sign up or get more information.
Furthermore, I invite you to do what you can
to extend this small sign of appreciation and invitation to the
people you see leading, learning and making a difference. There
is a space for everyone who cares in this expanding circle of
emerging leadership. I really hope you can join us.
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