Five Secrets to Enlightened Leadership
An extraordinary workplace culture begins with enlightened leaders who embody the very qualities of the organizational vision and values; not simply dictate them. Enlightened leaders operate from authenticity, strength of character and gentleness of heart. Unfortunately, too many workplaces are being led by egos who are driven by the need for power and validation.
At all levels, great leaders make a critical difference in the workplace culture by replacing fear with trust and compassion. Teamwork, innovation, productivity and efficiency emerge and thrive in a trusting atmosphere. Valued employees extend compassion and respect to co-workers and customers. Conversely, the old model of fear-based leadership results in internal competition, gossip and rivalry– blocking genuine cooperation and communication.
Enlightened leadership is the process in which the spirit within the leader recognizes the same spiritual essence in those he/she leads. This acknowledgement provides a conduit or channel of energy that propels everyone forward with the dedication and action necessary to achieve common goals of the organization.
True leadership is not defined by an organizational chart. Authentically powerful leaders can arise from any level in the organization and can be recognized by their compassion and concern for others. They draw others to them. Their authority is not assigned by someone else, but is emanating from their genuine regard for others, whether they are in official roles or not.
Now, as throughout time, enlightened leaders can be identified by their enduring traits of vision, courage, compassion, integrity, and humility. They make decisions from integrity and respect for others, building loyalty and commitment. Here are my suggestions for five steps to enlightened leadership:
Look within: Be courageous and place a fixed eye on your own fears and weaknesses. Deep, honest self-reflection is the most crucial step in restoring and strengthening your inner spiritual greatness. Until you can recognize personal doubts and inadequacies, you will project them onto others. Unacknowledged fear becomes disguised as anger, impatience, grandiosity, or even, self-righteousness. It takes great wisdom and courage to own your imperfections and be accountable for yourself; far easier to blame and even shame others.
Face your enemies: Recognize the opportunity to learn about yourself when you encounter a perceived enemy. Be brave enough to ask yourself the following: why am I threatened by this person, what am I afraid it says about me, and why am I reacting emotionally to this person or situation? Our enemies are defined by whom or what threatens us. The face of the enemy changes based on our circumstances, whether we are talking about individuals, companies or even nations. The power resides in us to face the real enemy, our own fearful ego. The person or situation that brings up our inner insecurities and pain is actually a gift. As difficult as it is to realize, our perceived enemies teach us to respond from strength, rather than react in fear.
Acknowledge and appreciate those you lead: Recognition and appreciation are basic human needs. Focus on others’ strengths rather than weaknesses. Consciously give credit and thanks to others, elevating and energizing them. Criticizing those being led depletes their energy and decreases their self-confidence. Demeaning others is like shooting a hole in the gas tank, draining the fuel that drives the organization, and wondering why we aren’t getting better mileage. Lead with a “you can do it†attitude and you will see people do extraordinary things. Allow mistakes and support your team members’ growth.
Give up the need for external validation. Great leaders never take credit for others’ work and do not need external validation. They accept responsibility and even allow themselves to take the blame for unexpected consequences. Ego driven leaders, fueled by artificial power and arrogance, like to claim victory, be the star, control others, and appear superior. These behaviors cause insecurity, distrust, anger and doubt in others. Dysfunction, drama, and sabotage erupt, limiting the achievement of common organizational goals.
Be open minded and approachable: Be present and genuinely listen to others by first giving up judgment, pre-conceived ideas and personal biases. Start from a place of equality and respect, regardless of titles or positions within your organization. Invite others to contribute. Be willing to be wrong or to not have all the answers. If you seek only people who agree with you and who validate your ego, the organization is deprived of new ideas and innovation.
In summary, I have discovered that what looks like leadership is often based on artificial power. In contrast, enlightened leaders are operating from authentic power, which is Universal Love. Love is power which sustains all life and shines equally on everyone. Love is not weakness but the highest level of genuine strength and power.
I challenge you to notice the ego behaviors in yourselves and others within your organization. Choose not to be deceived, confused, or beguiled by others’ behaviors. Be awake in the workplace an operate from your own inner, authentic power. Be willing to help others who are controlled or demeaned by the dysfunctional behaviors of others. One by one, the web of reactions and counter-reactions can be unraveled as anxiety is replaced with empathy, honesty, and empathy. Teamwork can only thrive in a culture of trust.
Due to so many pressures and demands in today’s work environment, the culture is often filled with internal competition. The Gallup Poll says 70% of Americans are disengaged in the workplace and kindness is in short supply. I believe cutting through the fog of confusion and outright deception can help liberate people and restore people everywhere to their own inner greatness. When individuals are working in a free and trusting environment, they work at their highest potential. Enlightened leaders create a workplace culture where everyone rises together.
