Conscious Leadership

At this point in the game, I think everyone is more than likely aware of my feelings for how business owners and CEOs have historically led with a “me” lens versus a “we” lens. ( I am even being nice by saying “historically” because we all know that this is still a common occurrence) Just in case you are new and need a recap, well… I simply hate that style of leadership. (Too blunt? :) ) The days of creating a business culture that requires employees to “kiss the ring” with leadership that lack self-awareness is slowly but surely no longer being accepted by the hardworking teams that are responsible for the success and longevity of these businesses. Thank goodness for that.

At TRAX, we encourage every single person to understand the personalities, communication styles, and motivational factors for everyone on our team, no matter the role… AS WELL AS, understand their own characteristics. Self-Awareness. The importance of this quadruples for the leadership team because they need to be experts in understanding people they are supporting and leading. Why? Because at the end of the day, we are all human and we all have our own desires and aspirations. What motivates you doesn’t necessarily motivate your colleague. How you hear feedback and praise is different from the needs of your teammate.

In my opinion, the goal for business is multi-faceted— Create opportunities to grow, create wealth, create positive experiences. So what type of leadership helps achieve those goals?

Conscious Leadership.

In a nutshell, the book “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership” by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp talks about leading from two perspectives-

Above the Line: Open, Curious, Committed to Learning

Below the line: Closed, Defensive, Committed to Being Right.

Its about shifting your mentality from this is happening “to me” to this is happening “by me.”

Quick hits for conscious leadership for my folks who can’t read anything but bullets like me: (Check out the book or any summary online for the written commitment for each of these principals)

• Take radical responsibility

• Learning through curiosity

• Feeling all Feelings

• Speaking Candidly

• Eliminating Gossip

• Integrity

• Generating appreciation

• Living a life of play and rest

• Exploring the opposite

At the end of the day, Conscious Leadership creates a more sustainable team and organization because you are self-aware and take responsibility for your actions (good and bad). Instead of being a victim or blaming others for a situation, you remain “Above the Line” and evaluate a situation with openness and curiosity. Take a look at the book and the principals within it to radically shift your mindset on leadership….and for my busy folks who just need the cliffs notes… here ya go.

My personal tips on creating a level of self-awareness to support Conscious Leadership:

1) Never stop learning. Read the book. Listen to the podcast. Just don’t ever stop.

2) Meditate. Get quiet to understand your own emotions, feelings, and aspirations.

3) Before reacting out of emotions, take 5 minutes to breathe so you can stay open and not defensive.

4) Always ask “what can I learn from this.”

5) Walk. Get outside. And clear your head

Cheers to continuing to see the landscape of business evolve so that work is not just a place to complete a task, but a place that fosters personal and professional growth as well. Cheers to leadership evolving so that success is felt and shared from every level in the business.

T.