Whether you are an assistant to an executive, a mid-level manager, or the CEO, leadership skills are necessary to succeed. Often, we are asked to take on additional responsibilities and challenged beyond our formal position or title. Some enthusiastically rise to the occasion while others become fearful and insecure in filling those bigger shoes. But everyone has what it takes once they tap into their Centering Power!
The key to developing individual leadership is to focus internally on our inherent capabilities. We all have spiritually-driven leadership, what I refer to as Centering Power, but we still need to find our own path rather than copy or imitate someone else’s. Centering Power is fueled by our beliefs about (and trust in) ourselves, others, and/or a higher spiritual power. These are the three (3) components of combining leadership and spirituality:
Belief in Self: A good starting place for any leader is to believe in “self.” The enemy of belief in self is doubt and leads to feelings of disparity, discouragement and self-pity. All of which negatively impact our effectiveness as a leader. We are unable to make clear decisions and take decisive action.
Belief in Others: In the workplace, we are often dependent upon others to reach our goals. With scarce resources, we can’t possibly accomplish our objectives without teamwork and collaboration. Some common symptoms of mistrust include: hoarding information, working secretively, not sharing ideas, and failing to delegate.
Belief in a Higher Spiritual Power: A Pew Research Center survey finds that one-third of U.S. adults believe there is some other higher power or spiritual force in the universe. Spirituality is different from religion because it has universal meaning, crossing all religious and ethnic boundaries. According to Webster’s dictionary, it is a “life-giving force,” or animating principle. Few would argue that it’s unimportant for an individual, group, team, or a corporation to have “spirit.” The idea of exuding “spirit” in the workplace is accepted, if not welcomed, by most people.
By tapping into our magnificent power within, we are enabled to meet the personal leadership challenges that lie ahead with a steady, unwavering conviction and sense of purpose. Use your Centering Power in your everyday leadership to go beyond your comfort zone.
Listen to my radio show program, The Business of Living: Season 2 Episode 23: Leading from the Front for even more tips.