The Leadership Equation
Whatever leadership role we play, we are measured by our outcomes. The good and not so good. In my experience, great leaders OWN their outcomes whatever the result.
Great leaders celebrate good outcomes, and when not so good, act with curiosity and face into the resistance that got in the way. Resistance peaks when we are caught in drama, and when not directly faced will repeatedly cost us time, money or energy.
Conscious Uprising has constructed the Leadership Equation, a simple formula to help leaders understand and own the outcomes being created.
Leaders may be clear on their ‘Why’ and may have an inspired personal or business ‘Vision’, yet it’s not enough if not greater than any potential resistance (drama).
Facing and owning each element of the Equation allows us all to open the door for greater creativity, connection, innovation, and collaboration.
The Equation builds on the experience of working with leaders from all parts of the world and the great work of the Conscious Leadership Group, which introduced me to the Change formula.
Time and time again, I have proved to myself an ability to create what is wanted and yet there are moments when unknowingly there is the capacity to derail everything by self sabotaging. Whether we are leading a business, a team, a community group, or our own personal lives, the equation looks the same.
At its heart, the leadership equation says your outcomes are a function of:
1. Being clear of ‘what it is you do,’
2. ‘What it is you want’ and
3. ‘How willing you are to own and shift away from what is getting in your way’.
‘What it is you do’ remains a difficult question to answer for the many leaders I have worked with. The deeper, resonant answer is much more energising than the generic ‘I’m a banker, I’m a mother or I’m a great football coach.' Synthesising this is a fun exercise and sets the tone for the style of outcome you’re seeking.
‘What is it I want’ goes beyond how much money I get paid or what my job is. It’s a ‘game changing’ shift to invite love, health/lifestyle, family and friends as equal ‘want’ considerations to money and career. The supercharge comes when leaders work through the tension between the longer term and immediate goals across their combination of wants.
However, outcomes are more than a result of being clear on what you do and what you want. The accelerant is creating awareness and ownership of the roadblocks and drama along the way. What are you knowingly or unknowingly resisting, undermining your potential and desired outcome? What are you not prepared to let go of or face into to realise what you want?
The Leadership Equation is one of many tools that can empower you as a leader.