Dr. Frances Hesselbein: A Legacy of Purposeful Leadership
Dr. Frances Hesselbein: Leading with Purpose and Vision
Former Girl Scout CEO and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree Frances Hesselbein has been a beacon of leadership in America for over five decades. Her journey, deeply rooted in respect, dignity, diversity, and inclusion, began in the heart of coal-mining country near Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The Defining Moment
When Frances Hesselbein was a young girl, she spent much of her time with her grandmother, who imparted a valuable lesson that would shape her future. Her grandmother’s story about Mr. Yee, the local laundryman, taught her the importance of respect and dignity. This lesson became the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.
A Leader’s Journey
Over the past 50 years, Hesselbein has been a pivotal figure in the leadership movement, emphasizing value-based leadership. Although best known for her 13-year tenure as CEO of the Girl Scouts, her influence extends to nonprofit management, corporate boards, and even the U.S. Army. Since 1990, she has led the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute in New York City, formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management.
Frances Hesselbein’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 1998, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. Her work continues to inspire and strengthen leaders across various sectors.
An Unlikely Ascent
Hesselbein’s path to leadership was not straightforward. Growing up during the Depression, she faced numerous challenges but always stayed true to her values. Her journey took a significant turn in the early 1960s when she became a volunteer Girl Scout troop leader. This role led her to become the executive director of the Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania council and eventually the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Transformational Leadership
During her tenure at the Girl Scouts, Hesselbein implemented groundbreaking changes. She focused on diversity and inclusion, creating handbooks that reflected the cultural identities of the members. Despite resistance, she persisted and successfully raised funds to support her initiatives. Her leadership style, influenced by Peter Drucker, emphasizes ethics, value-based leadership, and a customer-centric outlook.
One of her notable achievements was leading the creation of the Girl Scouts’ mission statement: “To help each girl reach her own highest potential.” This statement encapsulates her personal mission to help individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential.
Legacy and Continued Influence
After leaving the Girl Scouts, Hesselbein continued to serve on various boards and consult for numerous companies. She also maintains a special relationship with the U.S. Army, where she has been invited to speak to the Corps of Army Generals. Her legacy as a pioneer for women, diversity, and transformational leadership remains unparalleled.
For further reading on leadership and management principles, you can visit the Drucker Institute.
