Written by: Reem Borrows, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Over the past few years, several business professionals have adopted a conscious leadership mindset. This leadership style emphasizes "us" over "me” requiring higher levels of self-awareness for leaders and aspiring leaders. This method results in a culture of trust, increased productivity, and boosted morale among our team members when embraced.
So, we do need to understand first what are some of the qualities that are most important for a leader choosing to become a conscious leader? I use the word “choosing” on purpose because once you become aware and understand what it takes, you then need to choose to start practicing these traits. At first it can be clunky and seem obvious but the more you become aware of your own behaviour, the deeper you can go and the more effective you become. And there is no limit on how far you can go with this. Awareness and improvement have no boundaries and is infinite in their potential. That’s the beauty of this work.
1. Seek out to others and constantly ask feedback
The quality of your leadership is determined by the quality of the questions you ask yourself and others. As such, a conscious leader is a unifying force who ensures that team members feel heard. A thoughtful leader is self-assured enough to admit mistakes and seek help from others as well. Aware leaders recognize and value differences in the workplace while also emphasizing the shared ideals that bind the company's people together. This fosters cooperation to achieve a common goal. A mindful leader is aware of the consequences of their actions. They always look to make decisions in their professional and personal lives that consider the impact of those actions on the community's welfare and the health of our shared lives. A conscious leader also wants to bless other enterprises and individuals while also being profitable. A conscientious leader is constantly looking for ways to improve and receive feedback. Rather than sitting back and yelling instructions, they continuously learn new methods to lead and assist. Conscious leaders can use criticism as a tool to improve their ability to show others. Can you see where asking quality questions of yourself and others becomes a very powerful tool?
2. Inspiring others to be original
It's all about encouraging inclusivity, inspiring others to be their best selves, and concentrating on a more significant cause when it comes to mindful leadership. A conscious leader's mindset is one that empowers team members to understand, emotionalise, accept, and live the company's core principles while steering the company with heart and purpose. They are intentional in all they do, lead by example, care about those around them, and purposefully establish a community to produce value for all stakeholders—from customers to team members to partners and investors. Conscious leaders are concerned about the impact of their actions on others. They assess the effects of a decision on their team and thoroughly weigh alternatives to choose the best possible outcome for the group. In their relationships with their teams, they are genuine, courteous, empathic, and adaptable.
3. Self-aware
As mentioned, conscious leaders are genuine in their approach. They are aware of their own actions and behaviours and the root cause of these. They also are aware and understand their own feelings. They are dedicated to serving a higher purpose and empowering their team members to do the same while putting in their best effort. They care about all the stakeholders, from team members, customers, to the community. They do so to inspire, challenge, and cooperate with them to serve a more significant cause and, in the end, leave a legacy. They live by their own strong values.
4. People's Champion
Conscious leadership, in my opinion, is displayed by living the organization's principles and motivating people around you to achieve better by your example. A thoughtful leader will endeavour to understand those around them and help them improve in areas they need. This is only achievable if you understand the needs of those around you. They are conscious of the consequences of their conduct. They are eager to learn regularly. They understand that with the right resources and people, they can solve all challenges. Rather than leading with the mindset of "I have control over you,". Conscious leaders lead with the attitude of "I want to empower you." People are more likely to work towards a common goal if they believe their leaders are supportive and compassionate.
5. Walk the Talk
Conscious leaders are dead honest and crystal clear. This authenticity develops a trust-based relation between all parties. Conscious leaders inspire others around them easily as they walk the talk. As a result, their team members perform better as they are motivated to do so and work with noticeable enthusiasm. Trust plays a huge part in this equation, as you treat others well through sincerity and demonstration. Trust is one of the primary elements of leadership; once trust is broken, a leader will lose the energy and charisma. To build trust, a leader must walk the talk and be very authentic in their actions.
These 5 areas of conscious leadership traits are a brief overview only to begin the thought processes. A deep dive into conscious leadership will take you on a journey of self-awareness like no other tool. It is an eye-opening, heartfelt experience that leads to a deep appreciation for real human potential. The first step is to become aware, to understand and then to practice.
If you are interested in learning more or in a leadership workshop? Email Reem on reem@dreem.com.au to organise a session to identify your needs or your teams needs.
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Reem Borrows, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Reem Borrows, the founder of Dreem Coaching and Consulting, facilitates change for meaningful growth. For over 20 years, Reem worked in Senior Leadership Roles, leading and developing effective teams and individuals across the areas of Sales, Marketing, and Training. Today, she uses her knowledge and expertise to help people realize their full potential in both business and personal goals. Reem’s authenticity as a leader, her business acumen, mindset development strategies, and her dedication to achieving results are the foundation of her work. She cultivates the principles, strategies, execution plans, and fundamentals of a winning mindset. She has a passion for helping people find their true calling so they can unleash their inner power. Reem focuses on helping her clients grow exponentially with Balance, Focus, and Flow. Her services are the helpful current that pushes clients in the right direction and provides them with the structure they need to make vital progress with results that stick.
