Peter Bailey’s Leadership Development Insights

Interview By Jonah Kandikatla of Prouty Project President Peter Bailey

 
With over forty years of experience spanning 50 countries and six continents, Peter Bailey has worked with leaders to help their people work better. His global perspective and experiential approach provide a unique lens on leadership. Here are some of his insights.
 

What is leadership?

Peter believes that life is about the people we meet, the experiences we have, and what we do about them. These life experiences influence our approach to leadership.
 
Peter believes “Leadership is both an art and a science.” Every effective leader will honor talent and skills and lead from the heart to find the best solutions and resolve conflicts. Good leaders bring out the best in people. Peter is a big fan of Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf.
 
Peter’s life purpose statement is the following:
 

Who are leaders you admire?

Peter draws inspiration from people who, despite their human foibles, step up to the challenge in difficult times. For example: Marina Ewald, co-founder with Kurt Hahn of the Outward Bound schools; Ansil Saunders, a fly-fishing guide who fought for civil rights in the Bahamas; and Ernest Shackleton, the polar explorer and master of effective leadership.
“Mighty Waters” Tells the Story of MLK’s Fly Fishing Guide, Ansil.
 
Watch a video about Ansil Saunders here. »

You’re an experiential designer. How did you develop this interest and passion, and how would you describe it?

Peter attributes his passion for experiential learning to working with the Outward Bound adventure schools for over 40 years as well as earning his Master’s degree in Experiential Education. He defines experiential learning as “the maturation of choice.”
 
 

How do you make better decisions?

“Instead of viewing each decision in isolation,” he explains, “we always have a range of choices and consequences. Each decision we make gives us another set of hopefully better choices, closing some doors and opening others.”
 
Experience is the most impactful teacher. We fail, learn, reflect, and grow—lessons no traditional classroom can fully replicate. Peter gives participants the opportunity to grow in a challenging, brave, and ultimately safe environment.
 
We can all develop our emotional intelligence by reflecting upon the impact and results of our thoughts and actions, reframing results for the gifts they have given us, and improving our lives every day.
 
Peter loves the symbolism of the blue and white nautical flag flown by the Outward Bound schools. The flag represents the letter “P” and is also known as the “Blue Peter,” which is flown when a ship turns its bow out from the safety of a known harbor into the unknown adventures that await on the high seas.
 
Peter loves the derivation of words, for example, the two different Latin roots for the word education. One, educare, means “to instruct or tell;” the other educere means to “bring out” or “lead forth.” Educere requires a more active role from facilitator and learner in the development of a learner’s skills for an unknown future. He strives to be an educator who brings out the best in people, rather than a teacher telling what he knows.
 
Peter sees himself as a facilitator, which he draws from the Latin facilitas, meaning “to make easier,” which more fully embodies the sort of experiences that Peter creates. He shared a story that illustrates his approach.
 
Years ago, when he taught college students, Peter wanted to encourage timely arrival among his students, who would typically arrive late. His approach? Change the expectations. Peter posted a sign on his classroom door with a map and compass which said, “If you come late, you will have to find us.” Students stopped coming late.
 

 

You have such a varied background across industries and cultures. How do leaders show up the same or differently across contexts?

Peter loves working with cross-cultural teams. Over the years, Peter has learned Bahasa Indonesian, some Japanese, and Hindi to better connect with his clients. “Learning another person’s language is so rich,” Peter says, “bringing much deeper layers to the art of relationship building.” He also makes a point of learning participants’ names in a room of 25-30 people because in doing so he not only shows that he cares about them but also demonstrates that they can learn everyone’s names as well.
 
From consumer-packaged goods to construction, Tabasco Hot Sauce to Indonesian tin mining, Peter has partnered with cross-cultural teams around the globe. What remains constant? The human desire to connect and work well together.
 

What advice would you give leaders who are looking to take the next step in their leadership development?

Peter offers three guiding principles.

1. Know Thyself: The philosopher Socrates famously said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”
   Best Practices: Reflect through journaling. Consider useful personality assessments like Insights Discovery™. Seek mentors who you would like to emulate.
2. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the foundation for effective communication and strong interpersonal relationships.
   Best Practices: Read Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean Greaves. Seek honest feedback. Get an accountability partner to support your growth.
3. Keep Heart and Love at the Core of Your Being: Remain centered in your values.
   Best Practices: Keep a gratitude journal. Find purpose in service. Strive to live a noble life.

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