Leadership Conference? Not Hardly! This Was Absolutely a Palooza!

This past weekend, I traveled to Florida to attend the first in-person gathering of professionals from the Lead Change group.  Focused on the topic of character-based leadership, we gathered together from three countries to engage in passionate discussion and to explore how we could apply our collective knowledge and experiences to make an impact.  This was the first “LeaderPalooza” of many more to come!

Why a Palooza?

I did some Internet searches on the term, “Palooza.”  As a partial word – a suffix – it doesn’t have a definition like a whole word would….but there was some clarification to be found.  In essence, a “palooza” is a celebration, an exaggerated event, or from its origin – a ‘humdinger!’ 

We considered other names, but this was so fitting, given the level of passion, enthusiasm and inspiration that was generated.  And it’s not just about feelings, either….there’s real action coming out of this! 

We have “instigated” something….and yes, the use of this particular word is purposeful.  We are standing on a foundation of morals, ethics and valuing people to inspire a different kind of leadership that has real impact on people’s lives.  Yes, we do want to instigate something…..it’s called change.  And so, Palooza seems to fit.

So What Made it Different?

For starters, we leveraged an Open Space format.  This is still a relatively newer meeting format, but let me assure you, it works!!  I had never experienced it prior to this weekend, and I’m completely sold on the value of this format.

Open Space values everyone in attendance and provides for greater richness than a ‘talking head’ format.  Because everyone convenes to discuss topics they are most interested in, the level of enthusiasm and participation is noticeably higher.  The format is also reliant upon the contributions of several people, versus the expertise of only one.

LeaderPalooza included an outstanding mix of corporate leaders and leadership practitioners; men and women; different cultures and age groups; and the experiences of many very successful careers.  Talk about a powerful group!  The caliber and ‘mix’ of people was outstanding!

While the diversity of our group was evident, it was equally clear that we had all assembled for a common purpose – to further develop as character-based leaders and to leverage that platform to help make a difference in people’s lives.

With the Open Space format, it seemed as if every discussion built onto what had already been discussed.  We could actually see the progress we were making, and we could all feel the difference in our thinking as we learned from one another and built on to our vision.

Another differentiator was that we took action.  How many conferences do you attend where you listen without participation, get a binder of information, soak in just a few nuggets of information but not really change all that much?  If you’re like me, that’s what I’ve been used to doing.

At LeaderPalooza, we agreed to action steps.  We formed committees that have purpose and deliverables.  We’re taking everything we talked about and we’re putting action to it.  We’re walking the walk, not just just talking the talk.

And best of all, we’ve agreed to hold each other accountable.  Seriously.  When have you ever gotten that from a conference?!  We’ve agreed to raise our own bar, from wherever it is that we are.  And we’ve asked each other to hold us accountable to not letting that bar drop.  It can only go upward, and we’re dedicated to that and to each other. 

WOW.  We didn’t just have a conference, we created a community…one that will encourage, support and help to further develop one another.  One that is committed to action, not just words.  One that seeks to inspire others to reach for more.  One that makes a positive impact and leaves a legacy.

Does this sound like any conference you’ve ever attended?  Do you want to benefit from the momentum that’s been created?  Check out the Lead Change Group on LinkedIn.  Join us on Twitter.  Check out our leadership community, and by all means, join in!!  We’ve started a character-based leadership movement, and you’re invited!  The Palooza is not just about one weekend.  It’s just the beginning…

For more information on LeaderPalooza, Lead Change Group or our local leadership community in Cincinnati, called Authentic Leadership, please contact me at eschreyer@sagestone-partners.com