Reflection, Contemplation and Leadership?

Thanks to whoever sent me the book "Leadership Wisdom From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" by Robin Sharma.

The first insight I appreciated (other than the fun title) was, "Reflection and contemplation are among the most important of all business skills." 

We don't often think of these leadership competencies as a part of business (or busy-ness) and yet what if they were?

Imagine an office where people (regardless of title) allowed time and space for the wisest part of them to lead by:

• Staring out the window 
• Pausing and regrouping between meetings
• Sitting with their legs up on a desk pondering
• Attending to energetic and emotional shifts (in self and others)
• Being outside for breaks or lunch
• Listening beneath words
• Walking mindfully
• Asking, "Is it my assignment?"
• Responding to biorhythms
• Breathing more deeply
• Aligning with seasonal cycles
• Allowing silence to reveal 
• Meditating
• Appreciating calm and quiet

What difference would these practices make to leadership, team and organizational health? Try a few (or make up your own) and see for yourself.

For more explore www.robinsharma.com/resources. And....for those of you who devalue your expertise, Mr. Sharma also has a great story about Pablo Picasso. He drew a little sketch for an admirer later in his career and then asked for $1 million dollars. The lady replied, $1million dollars for 30 seconds?"He said, "My dear, it took me 30 years to draw that in 30 seconds."

Vulnerability Weakness or Strength?

If you believe vulnerability is a weakness (many do), think again. Brene Brown, has been researching vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame for over 10 years. She's found that vulnerability is actually a measurement of courage. 

Vulnerability is being responsive, open, authentic and connected to our humanity. It is not a popular word in business. However, if vulnerability is "the birthplace of creativity, innovation and change" isn't it worth exploring?

To what degree do you:

• Show up the same at work and at home
• Believe you are good enough
• Go for progress (instead of perfection)
• Celebrate your imperfections
• Converse without technology between you
• Ask for help
• Laugh at your foibles
• Tell the truth
• Look people in the eye
• Witness discomfort (instead of numbing)
• Take risks 
• Learn from failures (instead of burying mistakes) 
• Step out (instead of hiding)
• Apologize
• Forgive 
• Embrace uncertainty
• Allow yourself to be seen
• Notice how the universe supports and inspires you
• Spread kindness

Brown believes shame is one reason we fear vulnerability. Shame distorts the very connection and power we already have. In her Ted Talks (see below for links) she differentiates between shame and guilt. Shame = I am bad. Guilt = I did something bad. Shame is highly correlated to addiction, depression, violence, aggression, eating disorders and bullying. 

What if shame is a lie and vulnerability is a good thing for your career? your leadership? your team?

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html 

http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html 

Make Presentations Zoom

If you are tired of boring, linear powerpoint presentations and want to explore new ways to present ideas, check out Prezi. This sample also has some creative ways to leverage Linked In. http://prezi.com/qilhbxt-xry3/using-linkedin-as-a-tool/

Are you a Multiplier or Diminisher?

Leadership effectiveness is directly correlated to business performance. It's no surprise that Liz Wiseman, author of "Multipliers: How the best leaders make everyone smarter" found that extracting people's full capability has twice the positive and profitable effect on organizations. 

Multipliers "are genius makers and bring out the intelligence in others. They build collective, viral intelligence in their organizations." The five skills of leaders who bring out the creative best in people are being a talent magnet, liberator, challenger, debate maker and investor.

Diminishers "are absorbed in their own intelligence, stifle others and deplete the organization of crucial intelligence and capability." The five practices of leaders who drain intelligence are being an empire builder, tyrant, know-it-all, decision maker or micro manager.

Check out her site for more assessments, tips and research at http://multipliersbook.com/