Navigating the Path of Leadership: Insights from the Field

Our last iteration of Leading in Uncertainty ended in our quest to explore key areas that challenge us all as leaders, coaches, and consultants. This 6-week journey came with punctuated in inputs from a diverse group of peers, with people who are trained at Oxford,Cambridge, Harvard with Doctorates in Management and business economics, Masters in HR, IT, Psychology, Degrees in Law, HR, and psychology. We have authors and writers in the Group. This would include Directors, CEO’s, Coaches, consultants, bankers, Entrepreneurs, Equity Traders, from Canada, the US, Scotland, England, Scotland,Europe (Slovakia), Switzerland, Ireland, Central America, and Saudi Arabia.

In the journey of leadership and personal growth, the words of Antonio Machado resonate deeply: "Traveller, there is no path, the path is made by walking." This Group sentiment encapsulated the essence of continuous learning, adaptation, and evolution in the realm of leadership. As champions of our own work and stewards of collective progress, it's imperative was to heed the lessons gleaned from both individual experiences and collective wisdom.

Our Success was therefore to research and test-in-action the change we want to see by bringing into practice the notion of seeing our success and that of our clients as equal. And understand where the true value in this relationship had traction on tangible outcomes.

?We considered ourselves as a resource for learning as the agents that:

could produce a change, frequently subtle change, in individuals and cannot be separated by them by increasing experience. This showed itself in two ways, change in knowledge acquired, and changes in the ability to use the knowledge. Our mission was to use the collective experience to make gains in wisdom, sureness of movement, and confidence; so that this becomes a part of our very nature, and become qualities that are relevant to the kind and amount of services we can give to organisations, individuals, leaders, coaches and consultants" (paraphrased from Penrose 2009)

Reflecting on a series of workshops and engagements, the quest for purpose and authenticity emerged as a guiding principle. The journey unfolded through a framework delineated into five steps, paving the way for connection, co-creation, and the pursuit of a preferred future. Transitioning from traditional to modern approaches, the Practice framework emerged as a catalyst for inclusivity and critical self-reflection, fostering integrative thinking and challenging the status quo.

The quality of dialogue and thinking evolved with each iteration, propelling participants towards higher levels of consciousness and collaboration. This iterative learning loop is a conduit for growth, enabling leaders and individuals to glean insights from each other and catalyse transformative change within organizations.

Central to this ethos is the adoption of a framework that transcends boundaries and disciplines. Business coaches, strategists, and leaders alike were encouraged to embrace this accelerated approach to adult learning, enhancing their value proposition and fostering sustainable change within enterprises.

The journey is further enriched by insights drawn from global perspectives and diverse backgrounds. The convergence of psychology, sociology, and commerce underscores the interconnectedness of human dynamics and organizational efficacy. Through unfettered access to thought leaders and practitioners, a rich tapestry of knowledge emerged, enriching dialogue and catalysing innovation.

At its core, this journey is a testament to the power of authentic dialogue and safe conflict. Embracing discomfort became a gateway to growth, as individuals engage in dialectic conversations and confront conflicting views. It's within these crucibles of tension that true transformation took root, transcending transactional dynamics and fostering relational depth.

a fierce conversation is one in which we come out from behind ourselves into the conversation and make it real. Susan Scott

In the pursuit of success, a fundamental shifts occur—that transcend individual achievement and embraces collective evolution. Success is not measured solely by personal accolades but by the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, growth, and inspiration. Leaders become facilitators of change, co-creating narratives of empowerment and resilience.

…. the true essence of coaching/leading/consulting lies in the reciprocal exchange of knowledge, growth and inspiration between coach/consultant/leader and client/employee/follower, each learning and evolving together on the journey towards becoming better leaders/coaches/consultants/employees/ followers and human beings.

We took a holistic view of being better human beings to not separate the way we talk to, or should talk to our spouses, and children and clients, as being different from who we truly are. Giving enormous kudos to being ourselves as authentic human beings Scott, Susan. Fierce Conversations: Achieving success in work and in life, one conversation at a time

As we navigate the complexities of leadership, one truth remains immutable: the path forward is forged through shared experience and collective endeavour. Each step taken, each conversation had, becomes a testament to our commitment to lifelong learning and growth. In the words of Machado, "Traveller, there is no path, the path is made by walking"—and it is in the walking that we discover the true essence of leadership.

Participants of our Salon sessions of Leading in Uncertainty

Angela Daye ??Nuno Reis Willie Nicol - Life Coach Stefan Pagacik Milton Stark Susan Ney Bill Kellner Deborah Schroeder-Saulnier, D.Mgt. Mary Corbett Alison May Bernie Franzgrote Nancy Delain, Esq. Dr. Kieth Deats Sheena Doyle FCIPD

The Next Series kicks off on the 25APRLEADING IN UNCERTAINTY APRIL TO MAY 2024