Posted on September 17, 2024

Dr. Maya Angelou’s legacy extends beyond her poetry and activism—her leadership principles offer timeless guidance for those seeking to lead with compassion, passion, and humanity. In this article, I reflect on four key lessons she imparted that continue to shape my approach to leadership today.

I recently celebrated my 30th college reunion at Wake Forest University. While on campus, I parked in lot just outside of Angelou Hall, a residence hall named for the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned poet and author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Seeing the building immediately took me back to the outrageous fortune I experienced as one of her students in a course titled "King," focusing on the concept of charismatic leadership using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the central example. Dr. Angelou had known Dr. King personally and served as a leader during the Civil Rights Movement. She maintained a friendship with Mrs. Coretta Scott King, whom we were privileged to meet that semester. Despite her global recognition as a poet and author, Dr. Angelou intimated that she saw herself as a teacher first. She was a true renaissance woman, with experiences ranging from cable car operator to dancer to civil rights activist. Although Dr. Angelou highlighted Dr. King as the example of charismatic leadership, she herself embodied the very qualities she taught. Her life and actions demonstrated four essential lessons that continue to guide how we can lead with purpose, compassion, and humanity.

Lesson One: I Am Human

Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto, or "I am a human, therefore nothing human is alien to me." These were the first words Dr. Angelou spoke in our class, quoting the Ancient Roman poet and playwright Terence. She emphasized the intrinsic humanity in every person, regardless of their actions. This foundational lesson taught us that everything comes down to human connection—without it, we cannot progress.

Dr. Angelou believed that if we understood there was humanity even in depravity, we could open up a world of possibilities. She said, "I have in me all of the components that are in her or in him. I intend to use my energies constructively as opposed to destructively." This concept is reflected in her poem "Human Family," where she writes, "We are more alike, my friends,/ than we are unalike."

Seeing people as valuable individuals helps leaders make compassionate and ethical decisions. Recognizing the humanity in others fosters an environment where people can thrive and contribute meaningfully. When leaders stretch themselves to see humanity in others, it reflects the hope that if someone dares to rise above their circumstances, so can we.

Lesson Two: Walk Boldly in Your Passion

Our first assignment in this class was to write a personal philosophy statement about something we were passionate about. Dr. Angelou encouraged us to tap into a passion and pursue it wholeheartedly and confidently. She was not fond of shyness or fake modesty, believing that true passion should be expressed boldly. I remember her saying, "If you say you are a singer and that is your passion, you must sing on command. If someone asks you to sing, sing boldly. Don’t demur." If you hesitated, she believed you weren’t sincere about your passion.

Dr. Angelou’s boldness, confidence, and spirit of excellence pushed us to strive to never let her down. Passionate leaders inspire and motivate their teams. By being clear about their purpose and enthusiastic in their pursuits, leaders can catalyze their teams toward achieving shared goals.

Lesson Three: Know Your People

In our first class, we introduced ourselves using titles and last names. By the end of the semester, we were required to know each other’s full names and address one another formally. Dr. Angelou believed it was inappropriate to address someone by their first name without requesting and being granted permission first. She felt that people became too familiar too quickly and that a person’s name is the sweetest sound in the language to them.

While the quote is often attributed to Dale Carnegie, Dr. Angelou was the first to tell us this, and she demonstrated it by knowing our names immediately. As a classroom teacher, I made it a goal to know each student’s name by the end of the first week of school, and as a professional learning facilitator, I continue to work diligently to know participants’ names. I am often astounded by people’s reactions when they realize I know their names, which only confirms Dr. Angelou’s lesson and strengthens my resolve to exhibit genuine care and concern in this way.

Knowing and respecting your team members fosters trust and builds strong relationships. Creating meaningful connections enhances collaboration and a sense of belonging within a team. This seemingly small step can go a long way in engendering authentic engagement.

Lesson Four: Leader as Host

When Dr. Angelou had to miss one of our weekly classes due to an international trip, she informed us that we would make up the class when she returned. True to her word, she opened her home to us on a Saturday morning. We held class in her dance studio and enjoyed lunch—one she had prepared herself—in her kitchen and dining room.

Dr. Angelou demonstrated host leadership long before I learned it as a formal concept, inviting us into community and creating space for connection and participation. She said, "A leader sees greatness in other people. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself." Instead of positioning herself as the heroine, she exemplified host leadership by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone felt valued.

A woman of Dr. Angelou’s renown hosted grand events with countless dignitaries in her home; yet, that morning, her genuine warmth of hospitality was bestowed on a group of 19- to 21-year-old college students. It is a kindness I still carry.

Continuing the Legacy

The lessons of humanity, connection, passion, hospitality, and excellence are among the many Dr. Angelou taught and modeled. These principles have shaped my leadership, life, and career. Just as she did with her students, I strive to foster a sense of belonging and create environments where people feel comfortable being themselves, regardless of my role or position.

Dr. Angelou’s influence also fuels my belief in the power of storytelling to convey ideas, build relationships, and create shared understanding. This approach fosters shifts in mindset and behavior, qualities she exhibited with aplomb. By following Dr. Angelou’s leadership example, we can build environments of trust and respect, honor her legacy, and continue to enact positive change in our communities.