Author’s Insights with Jocelyn Davis
Author’s Insights is an opportunity for members of our Leadership Reading Group (LRG) Program to delve more deeply into leadership concepts with an author whose book was read in the program. Following the tradition set by American Booksellers Association in 1938 to provide a forum for authors to speak about their work, Author’s Insights is uniquely focused at furthering our understanding of leadership by furnishing members with a unique and intimate environment to explore the leadership concepts featured by the author in his or her book. Members are invited to examine the leadership theories posited by the author in a trade book or probe the leadership which was or was not exercised by an author’s characters in a work of fiction or non-fiction.
Today’s event featured Jocelyn Davis, author of The Art of Quiet Influence. Davis traveled from Sante Fe, New Mexico to spend time with members of Fieldstone’s Leadership Reading Group program. Members from each of the four groups currently hosted by FLNSD were in attendance, as well as a leader from our sister program in Orange County. The program was hosted at Villa Musica. Villa Musica’s Executive Director, Fiona Chatwin, is a member of LRG 3.
Drawing on the wisdom of Eastern traditions, Davis focuses on 12 “quiet influence practices”, including encouraging other to express objections and doubts, developing a shared outlook, converting adversaries into allies and doing the daily work necessary for success. Today’s discussion, facilitated by LRG 2 member Linnea Searle, highlighted the areas of interest to the members including the difference between “culture” and “climate”, the true meaning of reciprocity and the importance of demonstrating care for others. Reciprocity and Cultivation of Care are two of FLNSD’s organizational values and a rich discussion was had about how this influences and impacts our work individually and collectively.
After enjoying lunch and vibrant conversation together, Jocelyn graciously signed books for each member of the Network who was in attendance. 
FLNSD’s Leadership Reading Groups started in 2016. The 10-month program is designed purposely to develop disciplined readers, cultivate facilitation skills and build cross-sectoral relationships. Members work jointly on the facilitation of a reading group session and develop trusted relationships with each other through discussions and shared insight. To date, all groups have continued to meet regularly after the completion of the “official” program.
The next Author’s Insight will be on December 11, 2019 and feature Elizabeth Cobbs, author of The Tubman Command.