Why the World Needs Conscious Leadership Now More Than Ever

Organisations are not immune to the challenges which shape our world today. Even as technology enables us to develop decentralized systems and connect remotely, our world continues to face severe economic insecurity, inequities and environmental risks.

Leaders who are called to be part of the solution need emotional and organisational intelligence. They need to cultivate a sense of purpose in their organisation and community and to embrace diversity. If we seek lasting, transformational change, we ALL need to have an opportunity to be a part of it. Developing these skills starts with self-reflection and inner work, which leads to clarity of purpose and the ability to make an impact.

Leadership depends on our commitment to each other and to the future. Conscious leadership brings awareness and intention to our decisions and interactions so we lead with humility and integrity.

Why should individuals embrace conscious leadership?

Conscious leadership practices enable you to unlock a more grounded, ethical and impactful version of yourself. This creates a ripple effect that can improve your organization and shape your broader sphere of influence.

You can begin this work through breathwork. We breathe subconsciously most of the time, but we can also breathe wilfully by shifting our attention to the breath. Modern science confirms the ancient wisdom that?controlled breathing?has numerous benefits. It brings you calm and focus, by regulating your blood flow and creating neural oscillations that benefit your memory and reduce stress. The power of the breath is a tool for connection and peak performance.

Why should companies embrace conscious leadership?

A growing body of research confirms that we need conscious, ethical leaders in the future. An overwhelming majority of Gen Zs and millennials, our future workforce, believe government and business are not doing enough to protect the environment, according to a?Deloitte survey. Meanwhile,?86% of millennials would take a pay cut?to work at an organization that reflects their values.

In a recent LinkedIn survey on the?future of leadership, 14,000 respondents identified the top characteristics of future leaders as:

• Purpose-driven and caring mindset (55%)
• Embracing technology (47%)
• Agility and Nimbleness (46%)

If the CEOs and other C-level managers of organizations do not cultivate the skills to lead with empathy, their ability to respond to future needs will suffer. Conscious leadership practices strengthen the core skills needed to help tomorrow’s organizations thrive.

How conscious are we as leaders?

Use this list of questions to gauge your self-awareness:

• When was the last time you questioned your assumptions with an open mind?
• Are you capable of expressing the full depth of your experience; both your thoughts and your feelings within your actions?
• Can you embrace and express the feelings of vulnerability and other emotions, discomfort without pulling back, hiding, or judgement?
• Have you taken time to honour the benefits others bring to your organization today?
• What’s your story-arc? Do you know how to recount the lessons of your personal history, whilst separating the ‘story’ from the ‘experiences that define you’ so as to truly embody personal growth and learning?

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

To take the next step, I highly recommend reading the book,?15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership?by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman and Kaley Warner-Klemp. It outlines 15 commitments that can add depth to your role as a leader.

The 15 commitments outlined in the book are especially beneficial for entrepreneurs, investors, sustainability officers and other professionals striving for greater social responsibility in society.

Here are my brief interpretations of the 15 principles, based on how I’ve incorporated them into my own leadership practice:

1. Radical Responsibility?— Instead of analysing others first, check-in with yourself. Ask yourself: How are you complicit in a situation and how do you show up to meet this moment?
2. Learning Through Curiosity?— Take a stance of wonder and awe towards your surroundings. Navigate with an open mind and ask lots of questions.
3. Feeling All Feelings?— Avoid the impulse to suppress feelings, because this makes them even more urgent. Honour your feelings by learning from them and giving them the space to be heard.
4. Truth?— Clear your consciousness by speaking your truth using the acronym AIR to remember to pursue Authenticity, Intimacy and Responsibility/Respond-ability at all times.
5. Clear Assumptions?— Clarify misunderstandings through direct and respectful engagement. Ask questions and show your willingness to be vulnerable and open to other perspectives.
6. Integrity?— Walk your talk. Use language that empowers yourself and others rather than condescension or self-deprecation. Do the best you can, given your knowledge in any situation.

1. Appreciation?— Give and receive appreciation freely, and let your sense of appreciation guide you.
2. Excelling in Your Zone of Genius?— Use your passion, strengths and values fully and courageously. Release them from any fear that may hold you back.
3. Living a Full Life of Play and Rest?— Celebrate each day with a mindset filled with laughter and fun.
4. Seeing the Opposite of Your Story?— Embrace your life’s story by telling it in a way that honours your strength and leads to personal growth. Take control of the narrative and use it to learn and grow.
5. Approval and Acceptance?— Accept and love who you are today and then let yourself grow from this starting point.
6. Abundance and Gratitude?— Understand that you have enough and what you already have is valuable.
7. Being an Ally?— Respect, trust and collaboration are the under-recognized ingredients of innovation — therefore I see all actors as allies who are ultimately helping me to grow.
8. Holistic Success?— Measure your success by your impact in improving the big picture. Don’t settle for partial solutions that leave critical areas unaddressed or zero-sum solutions.
9. Being the Change You Seek?— Commit to slowing down, establishing empathy, and then reacting with context so that you can be the resolution. Avoid reacting immediately and take time to respond calmly to difficult decisions.

As you go forward in your day, instil these values into every action you take. You’ll probably notice a softer, more human style to your leadership emerge.

I’m an entrepreneur, venture investor and founder coach building and supporting ventures in a more conscious way to deliver a better tomorrow. Reach out if you would value more insights on conscious leadership or if you would like us to help your startup enjoy the benefits of conscious leadership.

Originally published at?https://www.attis.earth?on September 11, 2020.