Constructive Power: Cheeks & Havel

Submitted by Jane Royer on January 27, 2012 - 9:41am

nonprofit leadership

Replace this text with your image caption text.

By: Lisa Wyatt Knowlton, Ed.D.

When influence is used in constructive ways – people applaud. Literally. One of the most stunning and very public examples of poise was witnessed by 25,000 basketball fans a few years ago. It’s likely millions have seen it by now.

From Jeers to Cheers

Picture a lovely and nervous teen girl in a strapless evening dress as she tentatively approaches a microphone in front of a big crowd at the Portland Rose Garden Arena. She stood between the fans and the game start to sing the national anthem. When the teen faltered for words many in the crowd began to jeer.