Posted on Jun 26, 2013

Leadership challenge: achievement of the highest degree

Are you a high-achiever, over-achiever, or super-achiever? Do you NEED to achieve?

The value of achievement means successful performance; accomplishment; or obtaining by exertion.

Those who value achievement are not afraid of hard work. In fact, they welcome it. Once they have a goal in mind, they let nothing stand in the way of moving forward, pushing higher, and achieving what they’ve set out to do.

However, an achieving leader is someone who pulls others along with them on their journey of success. As they grow, others grow. As they achieve, others achieve.

Can you guess the name of this leader who has achieved much in her lifetime, and is not done yet?

She was born during a time of racial segregation.
Her parents “refused to allow the limits and injustices of their time to limit their horizons.”
She missed many days at her segregated school because of frequent bomb threats.
When she was 8 years old, her schoolmate was one of four girls killed in the bombing at a local church.
She has stated that growing up during racial segregation taught her determination against adversity, and the need to be “twice as good” as non-minorities.
She received a broad education, and acquired a desire and focus to become a concert pianist.
Her parents took out a $13,000 loan (in 1969!) to buy her a used Steinway grand piano.
She became an accomplished pianist, performing many times in public.
At the University of Denver, she realized there were kids only 11 years old that were better than her.
To reach her fullest potential, she decided to sacrifice her dream in music and pursue a career in international politics.
She pursued her career to the highest levels, achieving a PhD in political science at age 26, and earning a teaching position at Stanford University.
In 1989, the White House called upon her, and she ended up playing a key role on the National Security Council, just as the Soviet Union broke apart.
She helped create America’s policy for the unification of Germany.
She has served on the boards of Carnegie Corporation, the Charles Schwab Corporation, the Chevron Corporation, HP, and the Rand Corporation.
While she does not play the piano professionally, she has performed at diplomatic events at embassies, including a performance for Queen Elizabeth II.
Her favorite composer is Johannes Brahms, because she feels his music is “passionate but not sentimental.”