I remember meeting Mary Lou Anderson when I was in leadership training as an officer. Her poem stuck with me for the last 25 years and has always influenced how I envision leadership. Her poignant words from her 1970 House of Delegates Address encapsulate a profound vision of leadership. Mary Lou Anderson articulates a leadership ethos that transcends conventional paradigms, urging leaders to embrace the challenges of shaping history.

The Lonely Stand of Leadership

Anderson introduced a vivid image of leaders standing in the “lonely place, Between the no longer and the not yet,” portraying the unique position leaders find themselves in — a space filled with uncertainty yet overflowing with potential. Difficult decisions are the essence of leadership: navigating uncharted waters with the courage to make decisions that will forge the future. It emphasizes the solitary journey of creating impactful, pivotal choices that impact history. It may only be the history of one organization, but what are the ripples of that history?

The Call to Courage and Risk

Defying the allure of popularity, safety, and conformity, Anderson puts out a call of leadership characterized by bravery and risk-taking. Her belief that “We are not called to be popular, / We are not called to be safe” highlights the essence of leadership as the capacity to make uncomfortable decisions that may defy immediate approval for transformative change. She celebrates the audacity required to challenge existing norms, change mindsets, and take bold steps toward creating a more equitable world.

The Gamble for a Better World

She ends with an appeal for leaders to “gamble our lives / For a better world,” emphasizing the altruistic aim of leadership. This powerful statement underlines leadership as a selfless quest for societal improvement, emphasizing a commitment to the collective good over personal accolades. The use of “gamble” accentuates the unpredictability and sacrifices intrinsic to the leadership journey, portraying true leaders as those prepared to risk everything for the benefit of others.

My Vision Formed by Mary Lou Anderson

“Leaders” by Mary Lou Anderson profoundly reflects on the essence and challenges of leadership. Through her depiction of a leader’s role, Anderson, in our leadership training, provided us with a vision of leadership, championing a model based on courage, risk, and altruism. In a world constantly evolving, her message remains pertinent, calling upon leaders to rise to the noble task of historical transformation. I find her words still guide me and inspire me.

LEADERS

Leaders are called to stand
In that lonely place
Between the no longer and the not yet
And intentionally make decisions
That will bind, forge, move,
And create history.

We are not called to be popular,
We are not called to be safe,
We are not called to follow.
We are the ones called to take risks,
We are the ones called to change attitudes,
To risk displeasure,
We are the ones called to gamble our lives
For a better world.

House of Delegates Address 1970
Mary Lou Anderson