International Institute For Global Leadership
Issue #224 *August 2020
www.global-leadership.com
Asheville, NC USA
Guest Editorial
The Good Leaders Ask Great Questions
Okorie Eusebius Tobechukwu (Nigeria)
eusebiustobechukwu@gmail.com
Below are some highlights I found to be important:
If you want answers, you must ask questions: Richard Thalheimer, the founder of the Sharper Image, once asserted, “It is better to look uninformed than to be uninformed.” For that reason we need to curb our egos and ask questions, even at the risk of looking foolish. Asking the right question to the right person at the right time is a powerful combination because the answers you receive set you up for success. IBM founder Thomas J. Watson said, “The ability to ask the right question is more than half the battle of finding the answer.” But that’s true only if you are willing to ask the question. I learn everyday by asking the right questions. This is how, you see, even before I started this assessment, I thought on paper. I always think on paper. During my thinking session on a daily basis, streams of thoughts flow through my mind and because I don’t want to lose the secrets or revelations within those powerful thoughts, I always pen most of them down and before I round off the session, I always write down questions I am supposed to research on by asking people and even browsing the internet to look for answers. This singular exercise has made me wiser, posed as solution bank to many different problems people face and has made me navigate through difficult times successfully. I don’t stop asking questions at the slightest confusion I face. From personal experience, in addition to the benefits I mentioned earlier about asking questions, asking questions has the following benefits as well: (a) questions are the most effective means of connecting with people; (b) questions cultivate humility; (c) questions help to engage others in conversation; (d) questions allow us to build better ideas; (e) questions give us a different perspective; (f) questions challenge mind-sets and get you out of ruts. All through my life, I ask myself critical questions about where I am now and where I am going in life. My studies in Level Three with IIGL made me to go even deeper in reflection, and the questions I ask myself these days are highly directed towards my goal in the overall sense of it based on my personal evaluation. I have a journal of questions I ask myself on a daily basis. They are so documented so that I can work on them and review them from time to time until I find the answers I want from every question. That’s how I grow. Therefore, it so evident in my personal life and I believe everyone who has practiced this method of asking questions when they seem to be lost that, if you want answers, you must ask questions.
What questions do I ask myself as leader? While personal maturity may mean being able to see beyond yourself, leadership maturity means considering others before yourself. I recognized that I could no longer be a Lone Ranger, doing my own thing and asking others to do my bidding. I needed to think ahead and consider others. In recent times, my financial fortune is turning around. For me, this is basically because I think of how to help my family; my aged parents and siblings. This has kept me awakened to the reality that I have to think creatively and task my mind by asking myself critical questions that could propel me faster to my success so that I could teach my family members and others how to build wealth. Maybe I wouldn’t be ready to stretch myself to think creatively and ask myself insightful questions as a leader if I wasn’t thinking of others; to support the people I know to live a better life and a secure for themselves promising future. Also, it is pertinent to know that questions are basis for learning. As a leader, I can allow others to ask me the hard and important questions or I can take responsibility, be proactive, and ask those questions to myself. I have come to the realization that by asking myself tough questions, I can maintain my integrity, increase my energy level, and improve my leadership capacity significantly. Good questions that center around the following: (a) Am I investing in myself? A question of personal growth; (b) Am I genuinely interested in others? A question of motivation; (c) Am I grounded as a leader? A question of stability; (d) Am I adding value to my team? A question of teamwork (e) Am I staying in my strength zone? A question of effectiveness (f) Am I taking care of today? A question of success; (g) Am I investing my time with the right people? A question of return on investment, ROI. The most important investment you and I will ever make is in ourselves.
(Okorie is a Level Six student).
What Others Are Saying
Juliette Engole (Uganda)
Engole.juliette@gmail.com
A life without direction is like a ship without a rudder. It is simply at sea and going nowhere. My life at the time felt the same. I was on this path called “life,” fully equipped with all I needed to make a difference in the world, yet did not know how to do it.
When I applied to be a student at IIGL, I was asked to write something about myself. The questions were thought- provoking. As I wrote my story, dreams and aspirations, I felt a ray of hope begin to arise on the horizon. The dream was still alive! The first two books that were sent to me were “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” and “As a Man Thinketh.” I cannot ably express what I went through at the time. All I can say is that as I was reading these books, they were ridding me of all the limitations I had put upon myself. My mind suddenly opened to all the possibilities and potential that were available on my path. A deep longing and hunger for more was the result.
By the time I was through with Levels One and Two of the studies, I was sure that my life was meant to be significant. My purpose and reason for being were being brought to surface. The array of books provided answers to all the questions I had been pondering for so long. Level Three was what I now term “the surgery.” I had never had a time like it before. At this level I had to engage in critical thinking. I was faced with real life-changing questions. I was given an opportunity to re-write my script and challenge the status quo. I found out at this point that I could create the future I desired. I may not have control over what happens outside but I do have the control over what happens within.
The purpose for my life, I discovered, is to make the world a better place while I am in it, knowing that there will be others following when I am gone. The reason I have been endowed with so much talent, so much intelligence and wisdom is that I be able to influence others for the better and that by doing so, my life will have meaning and significance. As a result of discovering my purpose, I am now confident and full of positive esteem. These were things I struggled with because I thought I was not good enough: looks, intelligence, ability, ad infinitum. I now understand that I am unique for a reason. I was wonderfully designed to do what I was created for. My significance was amplified through knowing that I have what it takes to impact a life positively by being true to who I am.
I am grateful to IIGL and all its partners who have made it possible for me to have access to their life changing books. The opportunity and privilege of choosing those I preferred in Level Four to my current Level Six is something I do not take lightly and as a result I have been able to share much knowledge and information. My own knowledge base has expanded and I am confident that my leadership will stand the test of time. Today I am able to articulate my passions, goals, dreams, aspirations and purpose without hesitation. I know what I want to do and that I have been equipped with the tools to do it. My leadership skill has been honed to the degree that I am now in leadership positions in various endeavors.
Like a butterfly, I have emerged from my cocoon ready to make the world a better place by transforming lives and communities through the knowledge and skills acquired from IIGL.
(Juliette is an IIGL Graduate).
What are Students are Reading
Leading with Soul $17.25
Leading with Soul has inspired thousands of readers since its publication more than a decade ago. Far ahead of its time, the book illuminated the deeply personal journey to leadership. Now, in this new and revised edition, the authors update a timeless spiritual message in the light of the turmoil of recent years? Including recession, the spread of global terrorism, and ethics scandals? as well as new insights from the literature of spirituality and work.
Bolman and Deal are the co-authors of the bestselling book Reframing Organizations, now in its 4th edition.
Explores in greater depth the concepts of love, power, and significance as relates to leadership.
This completely revised story of an executive and his quest for deeper meaning continues to point the way to a more fulfilling work experience.
Students/Graduates In Action
IIGL Welcomes New Intern!
IIGL is happy to welcome new student and intern, Ujamaa Chabikuli who is pursuing a degree at the University of North Carolina in Asheville in Mass Communication! Ujamaa will be helping with recruitment via social media platforms. In fact she all ready set up a new instagram page. Please follow us on Instagram and Twitter; Iigleadership. Ujamaa will also be helping with other research projects too!
Valuable Resources for Personal & Planetary Transformation
iheart Media
iheart.com
iHeartMedia and all of its more than 850 broadcast radio stations (iheart.com) are dedicated to inspiring and creating positive change that improves the lives of others. The company’s community programs are built on the idea that through public awareness and education we can drive attention and action that directly addresses today’s most pressing issues. In 2017, iHeart supported thousands of local and nonprofit organizations nationwide and raised hundreds of millions of dollars for critical issues both in the United States and globally.
News
IIGL Zoom Meeting Scheduled for August 29th
Recently the IIGL Board agreed to host a virtual Meeting which you are warmly invited to attend the IIGL Family Check-in Zoom meeting on Saturday, August 29. This will be an opportunity to share, and to hear:
How each of you is doing in these challenging & uncertain times
your blessings and your challenges.
The opportunities you are finding amid the challenges and whatever else you would like to share to help our IIGL family to be inspired, and to help us stay strong and connected.
Please email Kathleen Oweegon, IIGL Corresponding Secretary at oweegon@bridgesofpeace.com or reply to this newsletter for connection details!
Attention IIGL Students
Historically every August, we do a check on student progress to see who has completed an assessment or a Level Three assignment during the current year. Starting in 2020, we have decided to extend this deadline to November 30, 2020. So if you want to remain an Active Student and you haven’t completed an assessment or a Level Three assignment sometime in 2019-2020, please contact Deb Rosen about your intentions to do so! IIGL is structured so if you do have to stop your studies for awhile, you can restart them at anytime by submitting an assessment or assignment. If you have any questions feel free to email me! If you are a Provisional Student and you are past the 30 day deadline yet would still like to complete your Introductory Assessments, contact Deb as well with your intentions.
IIGL Book Sales Continue…
The IIGL Board of Directors shared that the IIGL book, “Creating Your Path Through Leadership” book sales continue to provide a Royalty payment to IIGL each month. It has also helped new potential donors understand more about IIGL! The book is available both on Kindle and in Paperback on Amazon.com! Check it out! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1…
Meet Our New Students
Wondwosen Teka Hussen (Ethipia)
I was born on April 10, 1975 in Kemissie Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. My home Town Kemissie is 325 km far from the capital city of Ethiopia Addis Abeba. My education status is I received my BA degree in Economics in August 2003 from Ethiopian Civil Service University. My work experience is I have served as a leader of government organization for 4 years. I lead Trade and Industry department, Industry and Urban Development department for the above mentioned years at Zonal level. And I have served for more than 5 years as an expert in public participation department, Food Security work process coordinator expert in Disaster Prevention and Food Security Program coordinating Office at Zonal level.
Peter Lindsay Iredia (Nigeria)
I am Nigerian born on June 14, 1967 at Eguare, Ekpoma in Esan; West Local Government, Edo State, Nigeria. I attended Illeh primary School and further proceeded to Illeh Boys High School. I later left Illeh Boys High school for Annunciation Catholic College Irrua in Edo State. I also attended a secretarial college but was not satisfied with the secretarial job as it was more for someone feminine by my assessment. I gained admission into Afuze Technical College to study Electrical engineering.
Ujamaa Chabikuli (USA/South Africa)
I was born in South Africa and moved to the USA to study at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, NC three years ago. I have travelled throughout my life as a result of my father’s career. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and Legal Studies. I plan to graduate in 2023. Currently I am the Student Engagement Chair for the Student Alumni Association. I love music and I have been selected for the Asheville Singers which is a vocal ensemble at the University.
To view complete profiles, Click Here
Visionary Leadership
Student Progress
We had 10 students from 7 countries complete a total of 15 books in July. These students were from Ethiopia, Lesotho, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and USA.
Wondwosen Teka (Ethiopia)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Bob Maepe (Lesotho)
* How to Win Friends and Influence People
James Trotman (Liberia)
* The Business of the 21st Century
Udeme Idem (Nigeria)
* How to Win Friends and Influence People
* Keys to Success
* Success through PMA
Peter Lindsay Iredia (Nigeria)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Michael Kelechi (Nigeria)
* How to Win Friends and Influence People
Ebere Obioha Mary Jane (Nigeria)
* PsychoCybernetics
Dourwe Bernard (Rwanda)
* Awaken the Giant Within
Kalema Joseph (Uganda)
* PsychoCybernetics
Ujamaa Chabikuli (USA)
* As a Man Thinketh
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Graduates
There were no new Students who completed a level of study this month
Statistics
New Enrollments
5 enrolled in July
27 enrolled in 2020
Book Assessments
15 in July
100 in 2020
Books Shipped
0 in July
12 in 2020
Cost of Books
$0 in July
$254.17 in 2020
You Make It Possible
We extend a special thanks to the following individuals and/or organizations who contributed to IIGL last month. Your ongoing support makes this work possible.
Deb Silver (Israel)
Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ)
John Hornecker (USA/NC)
Michael Lightweaver (USA/NC)
Judith Royer (USA/SC)
David Banner (USA/WI)
Deb Rosen (USA/WI)
Patrice Zorn (USA/WI)
Make A Difference
Dream Team 22
Please join Dream Team 22 as our goal is to have 220 people contributing $22 per month. We understand that money is energy and that to sustain and build IIGL we need a lot of people pouring their energy into this endeavor on a regular basis. We also know that not everyone can afford to commit $22 a month – especially our students, who live in countries with economies in which this amount can be equal to a weeks’ salary. So we are offering two options for those who wish to become a part of the Dream Team. One can commit to a $22 a month contribution or to spending 22 seconds each day holding the vision of IIGL becoming financially sustainable by the end of 2018.
Will you join the Dream Team and help us create an energetic foundation to support the transformational work of IIGL? You can really make a difference in the world by making a modest contribution of time or money. To make the $22 a month commitment or a one time donation, click the link below. To become a member of the Dream Team 22 by committing 22 second a day to help us hold the vision, contact Deb for details: drosen2@wi.rr.com
Checks on US banks, payable to the International Institute For Global Leadership, can be mailed to IIGL, 11537 N. Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53092 USA. Contributions may also be made by credit card by clicking the link below. Contributions are tax deductible under the 501 (c) 3 tax code of the United States Internal Revenue Service.
To Contribute By Paypal, go to www.paypal.com and make donation to iigl.globalleadership@gmail.com
To Contribute By Credit Card, go to global-leadership.com