Heart at Work This book is a collection of Stories written by people who have explored deeply, what it means to speak plainly and openly, from the heart, with authenticity and empathy at work. Personal experience gives credence to the idea that when people speak their personal truth and respect the personal truth of others, more gets accomplished, people are more collaborative and happier in the workplace, and individuals are better served. Several of the essays in this collection are, in themselves, a collaborative effort. I interviewed individuals and wrote a draft of their essay, then they crafted the product into an essay that was more clearly their own written expression, rather than… their spoken voice. The back and forth dialogue with authors was a rich experience in itself, and the essays are more powerful as a result. Table of Contents Chapter 1. Dear Instructional Leader Diane Petteway A letter in the form of poetry describes the heart of a teacher who longs for all the principles for which this books stands. Written during a writing retreat titled: Writing to Put the Heart at Rest, this loving teacher who feels robbed of joy, describes that for which she longs, a principal who speaks from the heart, laughter, deep, meaningful conversation, a welcoming spirit!. Chapter 2. Finding Heart: The Work Before Going to Work Cynthia Heelan, PhD On the journey to speaking from the heart and being creative, it helps to understand how often we act from a place that is based on "should and could" rather than discerning what we know in our hearts to be right. This chapter offers a way to look at an individual's inner life and suggests its potential impact on our professional lives. Chapter 3. Finding Heart, The Work Before Work: The Experts Cynthia Heelan PhD For some people, it may be helpful to hear more from the experts who write about finding, losing and reclaiming heart. This chapter discusses the journey to finding heart along with supportive citations. Chapter 4. Soldier's Heart Brian Delete Brian Delate's Vietnam experience and his experience as a writer, an actor and as a film maker are empowered by his own personal growth. His film, Soldier's Heart, the Civil War term for PTSD, brings together his self knowledge, his willingness to share, and his skill in the art of film. Chapter 5. Dance as Choreography of the Heart Jonathan Hollander As Founder and Artistic Director and President of Battery Dance Company, Jonathan Hollander lives in and speaks from his heart in a very special way. His choreography, as his life of the spirit evolves, becomes increasingly a co-creation with his dancers. These opportunities allow for dance experiences that move the hearts of kings and children, and audiences worldwide. Chapter 6. Creating for Children Ginna Gemmell A former Manager of New Product Research at Fisher Price Toys, explores the rich corporate creativity and productivity resulting when people are able to speak honestly and playfully. Chapter 7. Heart Centered Medicine Bill Manahan M.D. Integrative, holistic medical practitioner, Bill Manahan, MD, describes the difference between traditional western medicine and integrative /holistic medical practice. Bill is presently involved in efforts to transform America's health care system and the healers involved in that system. He believes that we need a new model of health care that is based on a partnership model, the pursuit of wellness, community collaboration, social connection, and assumption of personal responsibility. Chapter 8. Leading from the Heart Cynthia Heelan, PhD All employees in an organization could have opportunities to provide leadership. When we understand more about our authentic inner core, we act differently. This chapter discusses the importance of this understanding and some of the results of making a commitment to lead and follow authentically and from our hearts. Chapter 9. Whole People Create a Whole Organization and Whole Communities for a Whole, Healt