Conscious Leadership is a style of leadership that requires leaders to be deeply aware of their own motivations, values, and vision, and to lead from a place of comprehensive awareness. It involves being mindful of the impact of their decisions on their team, their organization, and the wider community.
1. Taking Radical Responsibility:
This means accepting full responsibility for the outcomes in your life, rather than blaming circumstances or other people. For example, if a project fails, a conscious leader would examine their own role in that failure rather than blaming their team.
2. Learning Through Curiosity:
This involves being open to new ideas and perspectives. For instance, a conscious leader might actively seek feedback from their team and be open to constructive criticism.
3. Feeling All Feelings:
Conscious leaders allow themselves to fully experience their emotions, rather than suppressing them. For example, they might openly express their disappointment when a goal isn’t met, rather than hiding their feelings.
4. Speaking Candidly:
This means being honest and transparent in communication. A conscious leader might, for example, openly discuss the challenges the company is facing rather than hiding them.
5. Eliminating Gossip:
Conscious leaders address issues directly with the people involved. For instance, if they have a problem with a team member’s performance, they would discuss it directly with that person rather than complaining to others.
6. Practicing Integrity:
This involves being truthful and reliable in all situations. For example, a conscious leader would keep their promises to their team and admit when they’ve made a mistake.
7. Generating Appreciation:
Conscious leaders regularly express gratitude. They might, for instance, thank a team member for their hard work on a project.
8. Excelling in Your Zone of Genius:
This means focusing on what you’re best at. A conscious leader might delegate tasks that they’re not skilled at to others who are, and focus on their own areas of expertise.
9. Living a Life of Play and Rest:
Conscious leaders understand the importance of balance and make time for relaxation and fun. For example, they might encourage their team to take regular breaks and promote a healthy work-life balance.
10. Exploring the Opposite Perspective:
This involves being open to viewpoints that differ from your own. For instance, a conscious leader might invite a team member who disagrees with them to share their perspective.
11. Sourcing Approval, Control, and Security:
Conscious leaders seek their own validation and security, rather than relying on others. For example, they might set their own goals and measure their success against them, rather than comparing themselves to others.
12. Having Clear Agreements:
This means being explicit about expectations and commitments. A conscious leader might, for instance, clearly outline the responsibilities of each team member at the start of a project.
13. Living a Life of Full Responsibility:
This involves taking responsibility for all aspects of your life, including your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. For example, a conscious leader might prioritize self-care and personal development.
14. Being the Resolution:
Conscious leaders strive to be the solution to problems. For instance, if there’s conflict within their team, they would take steps to resolve it rather than ignoring it or hoping it resolves itself.
15. Creating Win for All Solutions:
This means seeking outcomes that benefit everyone involved. For example, a conscious leader might seek a solution to a dispute that meets the needs of both parties, rather than favoring one side.
For more information, you can visit the Conscious Leadership Group’s website at https://www.conscious.is/. This website provides a wealth of resources on Conscious Leadership, including detailed explanations of the 15 commitments, online courses, coaching services, and a blog with articles on various aspects of Conscious Leadership.
The Conscious Leadership Group, founded by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp, is dedicated to cultivating a new paradigm of leadership that’s based on awareness, authenticity, and responsibility. They offer a variety of programs and services designed to help leaders develop the skills and mindset necessary to lead consciously and effectively.
In conclusion, Conscious Leadership is about leading with awareness, authenticity, and a deep sense of responsibility. It’s about being fully present and engaged, and making decisions that are in the best interest of all stakeholders. The 15 commitments of Conscious Leadership provide a roadmap for developing these qualities and embodying this style of leadership.
