When Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, was askedwho the greatest leader in America was, he responded, “FrancesHesselbein”. And Drucker reinforced his words with action makingHesselbein the founding CEO Peter Drucker's leadership institute.For over 60 years, Hesselbein has been a driving force shapingleadership philosophy, including: being CEO of The Girl Scouts from1976 – 1990, leadership appointments at West Point, author of 27books, Editor-in-Chief of the award winning Leader toLeadermagazine, and in 1998 recipient ofthe Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highestcivilian honor in America.

While I've had the privilege to meet with Frances many times,each meeting has the freshness, authenticity and excitement ofbeing a child at a candy store of wisdom. Every word holds theheavy weight of deeper meaning. Below are some of Hesselbein'srecent insights on leadership.

Talk about women in leadership

First, we never refer to ourselves as “female, or womenleaders.” We are not a category. We are leaders who are women. Asleaders who are women we begin by acknowledging that we bring aspecial dimension to the work of our organization. Our contributionto furthering the mission is enhanced by our gender – male orfemale – any effective leader brings his or her life experience andpoint of view to bear. Diversity of gender, race, culture andbackground in our leadership teams strengthens and enriches ourorganizations. But this is not the reason we, as leaders who arewomen, do what we do. The mission that defines why we do what we dohas no gender. Peter Drucker urges leaders to “focus on task, notgender.” That advice serves us well.

Back to the original question, the management qualities thatmight be labeled feminine are embraced by remarkably effective menand women: leading with the power of language, cultivatingrelationships, building teams that release the energy and potentialof others, developing flexible and fluid management systems,building an inclusive organization. Some might call this femininemanagement, others would call it the enlightened way that we must“lead people and not contain them.”

What habits have helped you reach your fullpotential?

Two habits. First, listening. It's called respect, it's calledappreciation, it's called anticipation — and it's calledleadership.

Second, being on time. I grew up in the mountains of westernPennsylvania, where 5:30 means 5:30. The first time I met PeterDrucker it was because I showed up to a reception at 5:30, and Iwas alone with a bartender. Then Peter Drucker walked in the doorand said “I am Peter Drucker.” I blurted out, “Do you know howimportant you are to the Girl Scouts?”

For more leadership insights from Frances Hesselbein, read thecomplete Forbes.com article by RobertReiss.