The following is a short book preview contributed by the Ohio State University Leadership Center.

From: Gergen, C. & Vanourek, G. (2008). Life Entrepreneurs: Ordinary People Creating Extraordinary Lives. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

As much as we ascribe to the hero’s journey, we are more fragile and vulnerable than we care to admit. We need others to fortify our resolve, provide perspective, and back us with emotional support. The deepest sources of strength among the life entrepreneurs we interviewed were their life partners, families, friends, mentors, and business partners. These close relationships give us roots and wings – roots to ground us and wings to help us fly.

The important people in our lives encourage us to be a person of character and integrity. They hold our feet to the fire when we drift or waver, help us back on our feet when we stumble, and encourage us to leap when we are ready to soar. They provide us with the all-important emotional foundation that we need to step forward in the world with confidence, willing and able to take risks because our root system in strong (Gergen & Vanourek, 2008, p. 112-113).

Life Entrepreneurs is available on loan from the Ohio State University Leadership Center. To borrow this resource or any other resource, please go to the resource search page.

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The OSU Leadership Center is home to a wealth of resources to help you and the people you work with improve your leadership and interpersonal skills. Please check the materials in our Lending Library (available to you for a small annual fee), Leadership Publications (absolutely free), and links to other leadership-related information.

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