What is Conscious Leadership?
Conscious leadership is to be present i.e. here, now, in a non-triggered, non-reactive state AND to take full responsibility for your influence in the world. The first step is awareness. Conscious leaders use a simple model to locate themselves, in any given moment, as being above or below the line. When we are above the line we are open, curious and committed to learning. When we are below the line we are closed, defensive and committed to being right. At the beginning of this awareness practice, most leaders don’t realize how often they are below the line and in a state of reactivity. It is often unconscious. In fact, we are wired to be below the line. Click here for the video.
Is being “Above the Line” better?
The game we play is to locate ourself (Where am I?). Being below the line is not “bad”. There are many benefits and payoffs to that. However, when we are below the line, we will likely continue to repeat our patterns and get the same results over time. Next, comes “acceptance”. Can I accept myself for being triggered and in a state of threat? What we cannot accept, we cannot change. Then we ask, am I willing to shift? Most people want to shift into greater awareness and choice. The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership offers 15 ways to check your willingness to do this. There are also a ton of tools and practices for transformation.
What are the commitments of Conscious Leaders?
Here are the “core” commitments of Conscious leaders (there are more):
Taking full responsibility for results they create in their lives
Being curious and growing in self awareness
Feeling feelings to completion and stop recycling
Expressing what is true for them and inviting candor
Making and keeping impeccable agreements
Being in appreciation - both giving and receiving
Living in their genius zone and inspiring others to do the same
Creating a life of play - honoring rest and renewal
What else is important to know?
Most leaders pay attention to content. i.e. “what” we are talking about. e.g. strategy, business plans, customers, etc. Conscious leaders pay equal attention to context i.e. “how” we are talking about something. This means asking “From where is this conversation occurring?”. Is it coming from threat and fear or is it based in trust? Identifying the context first and shifting it, supports the resolution of content, prevents issues from recycling and generates more creativity and innovation. Click here for the video.
What are the benefits of practicing these commitments?
When leaders shift their center of gravity from reactivity to creativity, it’s like an upgrade to their operating system. Because far less energy is wasted on recycling issues, having sloppy agreements, repressing feelings and concealing truths, much more energy is available for transformation. Leaders switch from an adrenaline system of “getting things done” to a more playful, appreciative and creative energy source (and still getting things done; perhaps different things). Leaders are then more available to be aligned with purpose and work in their zone of genius. They experience more aliveness in their lives.
Where do I start?
Reach out to me and let’s talk. I can work 1:1, with teams or as part of a leadership development program. I’d also be delighted to speak with your team and facilitate an interactive “intro” to conscious leadership.