Before
reading the first four chapters of our book The Art of Possibility By Rosamund
Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, I decided to review Benjamin Zander’s TED
performance. One of statements he made that really stood out to me
was “One of the characteristics of a leader is to not doubt for a moment, the
capacity of the people he’s leading to realize what ever he is dreaming” I was
really moved by this statement and the passion he displayed, making this
presentation so inspiring to watch.
I think
Zander’s enthusiasm really showed through when he connected with the audience by
not containing his presentation to just the stage but by getting up close to
audience really bringing them into his speech. His ability to play the piano
was absolutely beautiful and the way he shared his passion for classical music,
not only with the audience but also like myself watching the video, was
absolutely amazing. Zander closes the presentation with a simple yet powerful
statement from a Holocaust Survivor as a way to bear in mind that it really does matter what we say “I will never say anything that couldn’t
stand as the last thing I ever say.”
The Art of
possibility is really a great book, because almost anyone could relate to what
this book is speaking to. Its about being able to realize what could be and making things a possibility to live into.
The book
gives us an example of the famous nine-dot puzzle, as a way to show the readers
how when first seeing this puzzle you are confined to perceive these dots as a
square and when first trying to solve the puzzle many people find themselves
struggling. When you actually look at the nine-dot solution you view the nine
dots in a completely different way compared to the first set of dots presented.
Initially when trying to solve this puzzle you become fixed only on the area
that contained the dots.
The author’s states that our mind creates these fames
that confine what we may see as being plausible. The example of the nine-dot
puzzle all ties to the underlying point that when you can take those frames
created and invent new frames and spaces then you are able to see solutions or
opportunities that you may had never noticed.
Each chapter provides its readers with wonderful examples of how we can shed a new light on making things possible
and that every mistake is a learning opportunity and way we can improve. Each
chapter provides a section where we can take these ideas and practice them in
our everyday lives.
“ Throw yourself into life as someone who makes a
difference, accepting that you may not understand how or why.”
Zander, R. Zander, B. (2002) The Art of Possibility. Transforming professional and personal life 1-65
Amanda - I really enjoyed the TED talk too and am so glad that we had the chance to SEE him speak - made the words in the book come alive, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI really love reading leadership books and used to draw from them a lot when I did workshops with student leaders, so naturally really love that you pulled such great quotes from both the talk and the book. Do you use things like this in your teaching curriculum at all?
What you say about how engaging Benjamin Zander is on stage is also really applicable to educators. I know this program is designed for classroom teachers and corporate trainers, but anyone who is ever standing in front of a crowd of people has to know (to read or see) what a difference it makes to engage with your audience - to come close and realize they are more than bodies in the room, that they're people. Cool to see that captured on film, right?
Great post.
Jen,
DeleteI definitely agree watching the TED conference with Zander really made the book come to life, because while reading you were able to picture the enthusiasm Zander shows so eloquently in his speech. I also enjoy reading leadership books, they do something to get your inspiration flowing and get you thinking about things you can do to really make a difference. I think these types of books are important in education because it allows you to add the social aspect in part of curricula, which helps shape all characteristics of your students not just academic.
While watching Zander’s presentation I could only hope that I am that as inspiring as he was during his performance. He really knows how to connect with his audience. I think some people are just naturally able to connect in a way that others cannot. Not that those individuals are not passionate about what they are talking about but maybe because there is just some barrier that keeps them from fully letting go and just sharing that enthusiasm. I honestly think his passion comes from the statement he made “one of the characteristics of a leader is to not doubt for a moment, the capacity of the people he’s leading to realize what ever he is dreaming.”
Thanks for the feedback.
Amanda
I'm glad you guys mentioned his TED talk, I'll have to check it out, thanks. This got me thinking about what makes one person an exciting and engaging speaker, and another dull. I have tended to think that this was the result of inherent personality traits like charisma and vitality. But the Zanders have me rethinking this.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend at my school, an excellent designer and a great mentor, but the students tell me they think she must be trying to put them to sleep in her lectures. I've always thought her shy, quiet, monotone delivery was just who she was. I wonder if she could take up the contribute game, and play for them from the second chair, rather than playing the professor, if then she could enjoin them with the excitement I know she has for the art.
I love your phase, "shed a new light on making things possible". I think that's exactly what this reading does. It makes you think about things in a different way than you have before. It makes me want to be better. Not just a better teacher, but a better all-around person.
ReplyDeleteAmanda I couldn’t agree more about the power of the Art of Possibilities. I really, really appreciate you ending your blog post with the quote, “Throw yourself into life as someone who makes a difference, accepting that you may not understand how or why.” I’m going to post that statement in my office space. Zander really does a great job inspiring readers to venture beyond your initial perceptions. The nine-dot puzzle should be used more often in education. It’s a great simple way to show students to think more critically.
ReplyDeleteGreat overview. What a great idea to center on: that a real leader doesn't for a second doubt the capabilities of his subordinates to realize his/her dream. Wonderful.
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