It's Not What You Think: The Art of Engaging Leadership

The Essence of Engaging Leadership

My work in organizations revolves around shedding habitual ways of perceiving to tap into a fresh and subtle understanding of what lies beneath the surface. This deeper sense of perception allows the emergence of what I call the Engaging Leader, a genuine expression of both individual and collective potential.

The Need for a Deeper Perception

To develop a more profound and subtle way of perceiving situations, we must be relaxed, open, and confident, without expecting or demanding anything specific. This requires us to become intimate friends with ourselves, balancing our inherent feminine and masculine qualities. The feminine aspect, which is intuitive and nurturing, seeks clarity, truth, and authenticity beyond roles and defenses. This balance is crucial for both men and women, as it involves trusting the essential parts of who we are.

The Power of Reflection

Brilliant people often overlook the importance of reflection. Reflection helps us learn from the future as it emerges. Without conscious awareness of our evolving selves, we risk getting stuck in outdated self-images. The pressures of daily life can disconnect our minds from our bodies, leading to a state where the mind is preoccupied while the body operates on autopilot.

The Engaging Leader's Presence

An Engaging Leader exudes natural presence and creativity. Instead of struggling to outdo others, we should allow our innate creativity to flourish. This involves a dance of discipline and openness, balancing form and freedom. By creating boundaries and forms, we enable the most space and freedom for expression.

The Journey to Genuine Communication

We transition from stiffness to ease, skepticism to delight, and seriousness to play. This step-by-step approach builds a foundation of trust, allowing people to trust themselves and the situation. We move beyond a rigid sense of "me and them" to see the space itself as dynamic. This perspective fosters genuine communication and insight, enabling us to experience each other beyond credentials and opinions.

The Invitation to Presence

We begin by letting our mind's attention rest on how the body feels, paying attention to sensations without judgment. This practice helps us feel at home in our bodies, bringing mind and body together. We cultivate a sense of presence, being fully in the moment without an agenda. This presence is our true home.

Quieting the Mind

Quieting our thoughts is not about striving for a particular state of mind but being present with everyday experiences. We acknowledge all thoughts and sensations without judgment, recognizing that no state of mind is more important than another. This approach helps us settle into our natural disposition, allowing our human qualities of intelligence, warmth, and power to evolve.

Organizational Life as a Spiritual Journey

Organizational life, often seen as an unlikely place for spiritual growth, is rich with opportunities. Challenges and complications are inevitable, but they offer a chance for growth. By recognizing our choices, we can move beyond victimhood and righteousness, accepting responsibility for our conditions and co-creating better systems.

Conclusion

Engaging leadership is about transcending habitual perceptions to connect with a deeper understanding of situations. This approach fosters genuine expression, creativity, and a cohesive organizational environment. By balancing our inherent qualities, reflecting on our experiences, and cultivating presence, we can become Engaging Leaders who inspire and transform.

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by Gallup, only 15% of employees worldwide are engaged in their work, highlighting the need for more engaging leadership practices. Source
• Research by McKinsey & Company shows that organizations with strong leadership development programs are 1.5 times more likely to be in the top quartile of financial performance. Source

By embracing the principles of Engaging Leadership, we can create environments where individuals and organizations thrive, fostering a culture of trust, creativity, and genuine communication.