Small Thoughts on Leadership - This Coach's Perspective

729 Words 3 minutes?

A few months ago I was on a Zoom call hosted by The Predictive Index. We are certified Predictive Index partners.

The moderator was a colleague, Ted Olson. Ted is one of the most effective sales consultant/coaches I know. (https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/tedolson).? Follow him, you'll be glad you did.?

During the call, Ted briefly mentioned he was a practitioner of Wing Chun. I immediately straightened up. Anyone who studies Wing Chun has my attention and respect.?

Wing Chun is an ancient art of Chinese Kung Fu, brought into the mainstream by Bruce Lee and recently popularized by the “Ip Man” movies. Ip Man was Bruce Lee’s legendary teacher in Hong Kong.?

I’ve studied Wing Chun on and off since I was 22. Wing Chun changed my life. It was the first discipline I was exposed too that charged my body and focused my mind.?

Si LUM TAO: The Wing Chun Core?

• Si Lum Tao (SLT) is the foundational form in Wing Chun. It’s celebrated for its efficiency and practicality. “Way of the Small Thought” speaks to alignment of body and mind – A concept we can apply in leadership.

Leadership Lessons from Si Lum Tao:

Centerline Brilliance: (SLT) prioritizes a central axis. Everythingcomes from and moves around the center.??

• Effective leaders embody their core mission with clear purpose?and vision. They provide unwavering guidance to their teams.

Balance & Poise: SLT champions balance over force. Composure and focused thinking over each movement. Respond versus react.?? ? ??

• Effective leaders maintain EQ, self-awareness and composure. Each challenge is a “gift and opportunity” to build?stronger bonds and navigate challenging situations.

Economy of Action: SLT is efficient/purposeful.?Each?movement is precise and?has a specific purpose.? ??

• Effective leaders keep a keen eye on what really matters, optimizing resources and not wasting energy on actions that deplete themselves or their teams.

Shift, Adapt, and don’t get Hit: Each small movement in SLT is fluid, responsive and designed for adaptation in any situation.?? ? ? ? ?

• This principle is gold for leaders who pivot, adapt and embrace change and learn from failures. ?

SIT WITH IT: SLT, the “Way of the Small Thought” holds wisdom for those on a leadership path. Align your “small thoughts” with your grander vision and discover new opportunities.??

GOING EVEN DEEPER: SLT meets Positive Intelligence?

One of the models we coach from is Positive Intelligence.

• Positive Intelligence is a framework. ?Designed to reduce negative (fear based) saboteur voices in our head.? We all have them. 10 to be exact.
• With practice the saboteur voices are reduced through the introduction of the?Five Sage Powers. These powers?literally rewire our brains.?

Yes, it’s proven and scientific. I didn’t make this up.?

THE SI LUM TAO-SAGE POWERS CONNECTION?Centerline Brilliance=Sage Power of Empathy

• SLT centers the body. Empathy is centering your emotions and understanding others feelings. Leaders grounded in empathy for themselves and others forge stronger relationships with their teams.

Balance & Poise=Sage Power of Self Command

• SLT’s balance and control mirror self-command, which shows you how to manage your thoughts and emotions.. Leaders who master self-control make calmer, collected decisions?

Economy of Action=Sage Power of Explore?

• SLT’s economy of movement syncs with the Sage Power of Explore which always encourages curiosity and openness. Leaders who explore new paths, are open to ideas from all. This fosters innovation and growth in an organization.?

Shift & Adapt=Sage Power of Navigate and Activate

• SLT’s Adaptability and alignment aligns with the Sage Powers of Navigate and Activate which center?on your deeper purpose and meaning. Actions?adjust?when needed and move?fluidly through change. Like a seasoned captain, leaders activate their purpose and lead with unwavering dedication.

SLT takes between 2 ? -10 minutes to complete depending on the tempo it’s performed.? Each repetition yields new insights and learning.

Building your Sage Power takes between 6-15 minutes per day depending on how many times you perform each small exercise.

• The fusion of SLT's ancient wisdom with the modern Sage Powers create a potent cocktail for leadership excellence. It's about finding balance, exploring new horizons and navigating changing while staying true to your purpose and values.

As for Ted and I. We connected and talked about Wing Chun. I admire his approach and dedication.? We’ve created a common bond of friendship and trust.? One day I’d love to get together with Ted and do Chi Sao (Wing Chun Sticking Hands exercise).?

I still do SLT at least three times a week and work on my Sage Powers Daily.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through Si Lum Tao and the Sage Powers. Please share your insights and thoughts and let me know if this resonates with you.?T

To Be Continued?

Ron