Enlightened Leaders - Are you one?

I recently read an article entitled “We Must Lead Ourselves Before We Can Lead Others”. That idea struck me as being spot on. I believe the most enlightened and successful leaders are those who are consistently growing and changing. They are growing as a result of their own spiritual journey and are using the gifts from life challenges to evolve in consciousness and then inspire others to do the same.

 

Enlightened leaders realize that growth comes from letting go—of the way things have been, ideas and beliefs that have been outgrown and are inconsistent with desired results, and behaviors that are habitual or self-defeating and not in integrity. Often, something has to “die” in order for new growth can take place. The apostle Paul wrote, “I die daily.” If we are truly allowing ourselves to grow and change, this is true for us. If we are stuck in our old habits, comfort zones, ideas and ways of behaving, then it isn’t.

 

The enlightened leaders acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers and are willing to live with ambiguity. They are open-minded about answers, open to the suggestions of others and don’t see things as black or white, right or wrong, good or bad. They see that things can be “both/and” rather than “either/or” and are inclusive in their approach to leadership.

 

When I think of the enlightened leaders that I have known, they have inspired me to be a better person, sharing their experiences, challenges and mistakes and being able to laugh at them as well as learn from them. The greatest of these leaders stand out because of their compassion and caring hearts. They genuinely care about the organizations and people they are serving. It isn't just a job. When the heart and mind are engaged, it comes together. But if the heart isn’t engaged, there is a shallowness, something missing. The saying that comes to mind is, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I don’t know who said it, but I agree with it.

 

Think about the enlightened leaders you have known. What characteristics did they have? Are you striving to emulate those leaders in your own life? Are you leading yourself before you seek to lead others?

Comments

[Beryl Singleton Bissell]

So lovely to return to your blog and find this wonderful post. So many "followers" are resistant to the change necessary for growth. Not only must great leaders be courageous in forging new paths, they need incredible patience and compassion to inspire others to change. Yes. It is so necessary that people know we care.