I’ve been thinking a lot about the qualities of leadership lately. Since I teach principles that pertain to personal transformation, I’m always considering the bridge to business. Yes, I can apply the principles I teach to sales mastery, goal setting, peak performance and stress reduction. But how do these principles impact organizations as a whole?

Well, first through example. An organization without a self-realized leader is doomed to failure no matter how well intentioned the managers or front line people may be. I just had a strategy session with an HR person at a hospital whose hands are tied when it comes to making organizational change…because there’s dissent and inconsistency from the leadership team. So, how effective will her customer service initiative be? Not very, I’m afraid. Not until something happens in the minds and hearts of the leaders.

Thankfully, leadership change is nothing more than personal transformation. When those in powerful positions experience a personal breakthrough, they can quickly leverage that into an empowering experience for their team. One great example is the circumstances I wrote about last week, depicted in the film Invictus. Another is the moment in the film, Outsourced, when the protagonist finally realizes the power of listening to his employees instead of dictating to them as he had up to that point. Great film. Check it out.

And think about how you’re showing up as a leader. Are you touching and inspiring your team or are you just resting on your authority?

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