We’re at the halfway point in the seven levels of leadership consciousness. This is the point at which managers become real leaders, shifting from a personal focus to a focus on others and the organisation.
Level 4: Transformation
Leaders at this level know they don’t have all the answers, so they seek advice, build consensus and empower their staff. They facilitate them, giving responsibility and accountability without micro-managing their work.
They promote participation, equality and diversity and don’t care about hierarchy. They also understand the value of continuous professional development, and take part enthusiastically, encouraging others to do the same.
Level 4 leaders work hard to achieve balance in their lives, by aligning their personal values with those of their organisation. They see clearly their own strengths and weaknesses, and are able to be adaptable and flexible, detached and independent.
They are in the process of self-actualisation, releasing their fears and moving from being outer- to inner-directed. As they let go of that need for outside approval, they begin to discover an authentic self.
They become enablers of others, encouraging innovation, self-expression and the sharing of ideas, with a focus on team building. They enjoy challenges and are courageous and fearless in their approach to life.
It can be liberating to find that authentic voice – when it’s OK to say ‘I don’t know’ and letting go of the need for control. In the next post, we’ll be seeing how leaders become truly inspirational. Where do you think you are in the spectrum of leadership consciousness?
04 September 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment