How To Be A Centered Leader

Below is a link to a McKinsey & Company “classic” article entitled How Centered Leaders Create Extraordinary Results. Three things to think about before you read it.

1. All the examples focus on CEOs of multibillion-dollar organizations, however, in my nearly 30 years of working with companies all over the world I have learned the simple fact: it’s just more zeros. I have done coaching and training work for Apple, Microsoft, IBM, GE, and 22 more of the Fortune 500, as well as hundreds of small to medium-size organizations, and I have found that companies with 100,000 employees have the exact same problems of companies with 100 employees. So, as you read through this do not think that just because these are huge businesses that the ideas do not apply to your organization, I promise you they do.

2. Similar to number one, although the article focuses on CEOs it is absolutely no different for any leader in an organization. Just like more zeros, it does not matter if you lead a thousand people or one, you still need to be a great leader.

3. Although we are in a time of massive change there are some things that never change. This article was written in 2010 but is still as relevant, possibly more relevant, then when it was initially published. The authors describe five dimensions for Centered Leadership: meaning, positive framing, connecting, engaging, and managing energy. These are timeless fundamentals of effective leadership and will still be important 20 years from today.

I encourage you to set aside some time to read the article carefully and reflect on how you incorporate these practices into your leadership style. If you want to push yourself a little bit harder, I challenge you to write down three specific ways that you focus on these dimensions in your leadership role both in your business and your life.

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you please do not hesitate to send a note I am happy to help in any way I’m able.

Stay safe and be strong – John

John Spence is widely recognized as one of the top business and leadership experts in the world and serves as an executive coach and (virtual) trainer to companies of every size. To find out more about his work go to https://johnspence.com/