Frances Hesselbein is often heard rallying all of us toward a Bright Future! Her vision is a “world of healthy children, strong families, good schools, decent housing, safe neighborhoods, work that dignifies, and faith that sustains – all embraced by the diverse, cohesive, inclusive community that cares about all its people.”
In this section, our contributors share their hopes for tomorrow and solutions to challenges arising today that will lead us toward the bright future that we envision. Frances Hesselbein draws on her varied experiences coaching and developing young leaders – particularly in her role as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA – to discuss her enthusiasm and hopes for the current generation of young millennials as they rise to assume positions of leadership in the global society. She paints a picture of a marvelously Bright Future! Sarah McArthur explores the importance of communication to how we work together, the challenges of the Information Age, and how leaders can repair and prevent breakdowns in communication. David Allen suggests how a shift in perspective from viewing potential problems as projects can radically alter how we move toward our goals, not only on the personal level, but globally. He describes how to transition from victimhood to empowerment. Whitney Johnson utilizes a cheerleading metaphor – “Throw down your pom-poms and get in the game” – as an inspiration for all of us to pursue our dreams with passion instead of sitting on the sidelines of our lives and careers. Asheesh Advani describes how his early experiences as an Indian immigrant in the United States shaped his sense of optimism, self-efficacy, and unique worldview. He also reviews how he has applied these characteristics to his leadership in the Junior Achievement Worldwide program. And lastly, Annie McKee addresses the notion, so often overlooked in discussions of success, of truly being happy with your job. She outlines some specific strategies for creating – or reclaiming – this happiness in your own career.