Unless we work deep within ourselves we can't create a credible exterior persona. Since leadership can't be outsourced to anyone else, we have no choice but to examine our internal resources. Its a formidable endowment! Like descending into the bowels of the earth is necessary to mine coal and diamonds, its mandatory to descend into the depths of our own beings to re-possess the treasures within. Introspection is the key to good leadership.
Am I patient ? Do I appreciate other people enough? Am I prepared to view mistakes as way-stations en route to success? Can I let go power and pursue results instead? Can I make the mental switch from "people are important resources" to "people are THE resource".
What does it take to answer these questions in the affirmative ? A difficult, painful internal transformation no doubt! Dropping long-held belief systems, altering mindsets and re-tooling attitudes. How do I do all this painful stuff ?
One way is to enrol in a personal growth lab. The other and more sustainable, substantive way is to embark upon a spiritual journey. The first step is to adopt a mantra and begin the practice of meditation. Now, doesnt this sound rather wacky ? Connecting leadership and spirituality ? Surely this is some mumbo jumbo that is best reserved for the evening of one's life!
Actually, a true and complete leader is one who is in full control of himself at all levels including mastery of the senses. In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2 verse 48 Krishna says that all action is to be done in a state of yoga in which no attachment exists to results; further, such a state of equipoise is in turn the meaning of yoga. The funny thing is that non-attachment to results increases concentration in delivery or performance which in itself increases the probability of achieving the results!
A state of equipoise is exactly what a leader needs! Balance is needed if courage and decision making are to blossom. And that is precisely what mantra chanting and meditation prepare us for!
Making the transition within is a precondition for achieving results without. Unless we can master the internal turbulence we cant navigate external storms. And unless we can lead ourselves we can't lead others!
A state of equipoise is exactly what a leader needs! Balance is needed if courage and decision making are to blossom. And that is precisely what mantra chanting and meditation prepare us for!
Making the transition within is a precondition for achieving results without. Unless we can master the internal turbulence we cant navigate external storms. And unless we can lead ourselves we can't lead others!
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Working deep within is a gruesome task, you come across the green eyed monster jealousy, anger rears up its ugly head and Mr ego in various disguises, altogether gloomy picture of your own insides, the depths are murky too and dont allow you to look very deep.
ReplyDeleteBut if you are able to face up to these creatures of the dark, its only with the help of the mantram.
There is light at the end of the of all this, if you can grit and bear it.The transformation is really painful and more than half the times it is easier to flee than to face yourself.
The other fact being ,you will have to forgive yourself first,only then are you in a position to forgive others.
In Tamil there is a phrase "Each house has a veranda". Reading this article i feel, its my story but now i realize its common to leadership. All along I felt, it is exclusive to me.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, i heard a passing comment in a meeting saying when you are confused, too many "push and pull" and for you it looks you are stationary; roads and directions are mixed up!? look within if you feel lonely then you are on the position of lead! I closed my eyes if its so...i got my answer!!!
when people deflect you, punch you, bead you down, I rose like a film star and larger than life image, to send fears into those who do it mercilessly that i am incorrigible & convey the never say die attitude. Defeat is in the mind, a negative thought you have to shun daily.
People tell me to meditate, I always thought it to be closing your eye and focusing. I could never do it. May be its not my way! Even when i did that & not transform as people describe it i questioned myself whether what i was doing is right!
As Osho says being aware is bliss. If you bring this awareness in the punch you take the pain would diminish but may not be the impact! Meditation is just being aware (I guess), it need not necessary to close your eye and become a part Yogi to be aware. You could do it with your eye open. I guess that is my realization, after reading though the page and the comment.