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In this interview I sit down again with Liz Wiseman who has been such a wonderful resource for Leading Saints and I truly consider her a great friend and mentor. Liz recently spoke at a BYU Forum and spoke wonderfully about the power of rookie smarts and how what one knows can be a disadvantage to a growing leader. She discusses how learning how to learn is more important than the content of what one is learning. She also shares some rich stories of what she learned from Lee Perry (Dean of BYU School of Business, and son of L. Tom Perry), when she was a student at BYU, why her husband was recently called to a bishopric, and how to focus on being a hungry, and humble leader. There’s a lot of information here and it is definitely worth a thorough listen.
Links:
Liz Wiseman’s BYU Forum Address Other Liz Wiseman interviews with Leading Saints Liz Wiseman’s website Elder Bednar’s talk
Mixed feelings about the talk. I agree that fresh minds and humble ones bring new things to the situation. I agree they need space to grow. I don’t agree that knowing where to go and having other leaders being available are always a given. As a single mother that has gone through enormous challenges, I longed for leaders with experience and understanding. I wish there was more training and more discussion. There is so much lost knowledge, stories and experience that are never shared which would save alot of heartache, suffering and energy if they were shared. I would like to see more opportunities for sharing of knowledge across all callings. It is very personal when mistakes are made time and time again because knowledge isn’t passed on. My big challenge is not just whether someone is called with experience or inexperience but whether they can discern the Holy Ghost’s promptings and how receptive they are in following His direction. When inexperience couples with not letting go of ego and restraining the Spirit then suffering occurs. The Church is not the world. We shouldn’t put people in callings the same way the World appoints people to positions. All should serve. All should have an opportunity for a calling. Read pg 94/95 May 2009 Ensign Dallin H Oaks talk- Unselfish service. Quote from Widstoe “..we have a different destiny, obligation and responsibility…” Competition, praise of man, judgement, deserving a calling etc all these attitudes are of the world. Please encourage opportunities to teach skills that show a different perspective. Those with knowledge may not be the previous Bishop/Stake President/RS President/Ward Council. It may be the rank and file of the Ward that have the answers.
I love what she said about the more experienced leader standing back, letting them figure it out and being there to help when they hit a wall. That’s pretty much what I do with my Beehives.
I’m a huge fan of Liz Wiseman and of your show…. but I’m not sure this meandering interview represents either of you fairly. I struggled to find where she really answered any of your questions or provided anything very fresh or insightful. Her BYU forum address was money… 🙂 And I believe in your mission.