Leadership these days.
Do you see yourself as a Leader?
I recently completed a leadership course with Co-active and needed some time to play with all that I learned. My definition of leadership was very one dimensional and now feels expansive and that I’ve had an upgrade on my perspective.
We are all truly leaders in our lives. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. It’s very true however the dimension we are leading from makes all the difference. I’ll share some of the dimensions 👇🏼
#1 Leading in Front. There’s not just one person leading in front, in fact the power of the leader who holds the vision is to oftentimes sit back and open their arms to pass the baton to others to lead the helm.
#2 Leader Behind. The leader behind is one I resonate with. 🙋🏻♀️ I can sometimes sit in this place when I feel like I’m not needed (reactive voice) or be a leader behind in a healthy way to support and inspire. This dimension of leader behind supports, lifts people up, is the glue that propels projects and people forward. My favourite line: “the leaders behind give themselves fully to joy of participation and love, nourishing the brilliance in others because they know this adds to the goodness and wholeness to all.” Oh there’s so much more and I encourage every leader (that’s you) to play with all dimensions of leadership.
👉🏼Where can you partner with people? (#3 Leader Beside)
👉🏼Where do you need to step back and ask what it is you are sensing, hearing and knowing? (#4 Leader in the Field)
👉🏼Most importantly, make it a daily habit to checkin with YOU which brings us to Leader Within (#5). The dimension of the inner leader is about self acceptance and self authority. This is your purpose, vision and values. This is your choices and how you show up everyday as you, a perfectly whole and complete human “being.”
Do you have your daily practices to start your day with self acceptance?
Here’s some that I’ve cultivated over the years:
- Wake up (early) and spend some intentional quiet time. That’s right, no phones, no music, just you and the environment you’re in.
- Move your body before you feel like it’s too late to do so. Move your way for any about of time. Side note, I was walking in the woods and saw a man standing there, as I was with my dog, I was waiting for his dog to come out of a bush and there wasn’t. He said “this is the perfect spot for qigong.” YES! Move your body, find your spots and make it your daily rituals.
- Read, get out of your stories in your head and into something that inspires and transports you somewhere. I read Fictional books on topics that I’m obsessed with. I love to learn and grow in new areas to expand the way I’m currently operating. Pick your favorites, listening works here too!
- Water, water, water. 3L a day.
The practices you cultivate will set you up to lead. Write them down, enjoy them and make them personal.
May you enjoy your process, your leadership and witness yourself leading in new ways that you may not have experienced before.
Cecily
