Decoding Complexity & Simplicity in Leadership

Yes, you see my hand shading and coloring the Mandala in the Image. With the roller coaster of emotions accompanying my entrepreneurial journey this week, I reflected and surrendered through Mandala today.

What I found amazed me. There is a deeper amalgamation of simplicity and complexity in a single Mandala.

Isn't it a clear depiction of life? Especially, the leaders' lives are becoming more complex as we grow against VUCA and BANI worlds.

Should we simplify leadership?

Is it better to understand the complexity of today's leadership requirements and thrive through that?

The coach in me started asking many questions.

As I stayed as a 'work in progress,' penned down a few leadership lessons I could draw from the 3-hour exercise.

Process - Simplicity in Leadership:

Different patterns and designs overwhelmed me for a few seconds when I started the exercise.

I realized the need to relax first. I picked up my mobile, played the flute on YouTube and went to my child's room to pick some colours.

I got some old and new crayons, sketch pens, and colored pencils. I cherished a few moments of calmness from within while organizing them on my work table.

As I looked at the #Mandala design and listened to the flute playing in the back, I had many thoughts slowly peeping through my brain cells. After a few deep breaths, I started focusing on figuring out the beautifully blended designs in the inner circles.

I needed to 'up' my energy levels, hence decided to start the inner circles with Yellow, Orange, and Red. Within a few seconds, I drifted to a different world full of focus, high energy, and power.

I thought through, strategized which color to choose next, and deeply looked at the pattern to understand the reasoning behind each pattern in the circles; I continue to give my best shots. I wanted to respect each circle, and the alignment of designs beautifully merging in all circles.?

The tools started partnering with me in the journey, energy exchange began; a colorful and energetic team is with me now.

When your leadership journey is overwhelming:

• Center Yourself, have some relaxing practices handy. Observe your breath and the way you walk and talk. Consciously slow down so that you can think clearly
• Prioritize 'simplifying' the process through #standardization . Standardize specific actions based on the goal that you want to achieve with your team
• Remember. Your attitude and action will impact your team's attitude and action. Be Mindful of that energy exchange

People - Team & Talent Management:

After completing two circles, I took a pause and observed my work for a few minutes.

I had to spend extra time and double quote wherever I used old sketch pens. Also, I took breaks in between to sharpen the pencils after using them for some time.

However, the new sketch pens helped me to quickly and effortlessly complete the circles and designs.

When you have a mix of talents in your team:

• Customize your approach while engaging your teams. 'One size fit for all' strategy will not help manage your team in the long run
• Do not judge or replace them hurriedly when someone is slow in responding or delivering. They may need that double quota of motivation or support in refreshing
• Some in your team may need extra guidance to sharpen their knowledge. Wear a hat of a #Coach or a #Mentor . See if they need any training. Then, invest wisely in these members
• Allocate quality hours periodically to identify the #highperformers and encourage them by giving exciting and new opportunities to utilize their full potential.

Performance - Boundary in Leadership:

I was spending an extra few seconds while working on the #boundaries - thin lines - between two different designs within the circle. I didn't want the colors to merge and spoil.

When I was planning to erase and correct some merges, the 10-year-old at home told me not to correct all the places as some colors shine better when merged.

When you have a #conflict in Teams:

• Do not jump into finding instant solutions. Some conflicts are important to #innovate and think out of the box so that new ideas emerge.

Set the boundaries clearly for all #stakeholders . Also, communicate the impact of crossing boundaries. Ensure 'psychological safety' by encouraging, understanding, and respecting boundaries set by your team.

To enhance your leadership growth journey and engage in your Executive #teamengagement programs, write to me: [email protected].

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#psychologicalsafety #stakeholdercommunication #workplaceconflictmanagment #emotionalmanagement #mindfulness