The qualities of conscious leadership

What is conscious leadership?

Conscious leadership has emerged as a powerful philosophy in the business world, centered on prioritizing people and their skills over mere knowledge. It is about inspiring others to share common values and bringing out the best in them. However, becoming a conscious leader begins with a profound self-discovery, requiring a fundamental shift in thoughts, actions, and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the essence of conscious leadership and the steps to embark on this transformative journey.

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Motivation

The journey towards conscious leadership starts with introspection. Ask yourself why you aspire to become a conscious leader. Unearth your true motivations and aspirations, which might not always be apparent on the surface. This process of self-awareness sets the foundation for authentic conscious leadership.

Step 2: Embrace Core Values

A conscious leader is guided by a set of core values, including transparency, communication, collaboration, and empathy. Trust and respect for others underpin these values. Empathy, in particular, plays a pivotal role in creating a supportive team that follows and aligns with your vision.

Step 3: Initiating Change

Becoming a conscious leader requires embracing change and being honest about your intentions and goals. This might entail modifying certain attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that hinder your growth as a conscious leader.

15 Atributes of Conscious Leadership

Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp have outlined 15 characteristics of conscious leaders. Among these qualities are curiosity, vulnerability, and a commitment to personal growth. Cultivating these attributes enables leaders to foster positive change and enhance their impact within the organization. Here is my personal list of values of conscious leaders:

1. Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability creates an environment of authenticity and trust, encouraging open communication.
2. Curiosity: A conscious leader approaches situations with an open mind, seeking to understand and learn from others’ perspectives.
3. Personal Growth: Conscious leaders are committed to their continuous growth and development, setting an example for their teams.
4. Emotional Intelligence: Being attuned to one’s emotions and others’ emotions fosters deeper connections and effective collaboration.
5. Humility: Acknowledging strengths while being humble about shortcomings creates a culture of mutual respect.
6. Purpose-Driven: A conscious leader leads with a clear sense of purpose, inspiring and motivating the team to achieve shared goals.
7. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness cultivates self-awareness and better decision-making.
8. Authenticity: Being true to oneself and leading with integrity fosters trust and loyalty within the organization.
9. Resilience: A conscious leader navigates challenges with grace, resilience, and a positive outlook.
10. Empowerment: Empowering team members allows them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully.
11. Servant Leadership: A conscious leader prioritizes the needs of their team, working selflessly to support their growth.
12. Compassion: Demonstrating compassion and empathy fosters a caring and supportive work environment.
13. Adaptability: Being adaptable to change enables conscious leaders to respond effectively to dynamic situations.
14. Systems Thinking: Seeing the bigger picture and understanding interconnections help identify holistic solutions.
15. Responsibility: Taking accountability for actions and decisions builds trust and credibility.

Conscious leadership is a continuous journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. By embarking on this path, leaders can inspire positive change, nurture a thriving organizational culture, and achieve greater fulfillment in their roles. Cultivating the qualities of conscious leadership opens doors to a more connected, empathetic, and purpose-driven way of leading, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole. Embrace conscious leadership, and embrace a brighter future for yourself and your team.

So, which of these 15 qualities would you develop first?

Last but not least: Conscious leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Quellennachweis: Dethmer, J., Chapman, D., & Klemp, K. (2015). “The 15 commitments of conscious leadership: A new paradigm for sustainable success”. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.