Leading with Excellence
Leaders today operate in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment, where they’re asked to do more with less and under incredible time pressure. To be successful under these circumstances, leaders need much more than cognitive abilities and business excellence: they need to effectively manage themselves. Research shows that 90% of what differentiates the strongest leaders from average ones are emotional intelligence factors.
At Leisen Consulting, I work with leaders to develop these emotional intelligence abilities by cultivating three key areas:
- Sourcing from inner guidance and purpose
- Showing up with awareness and presence
- Taking conscious action with accountability
Sourcing from Your Inner Guidance and Purpose
Discovering who one uniquely is as a leader, leading from purpose, values, and authenticity, and letting go of what doesn’t serve the individual and organization. This deep self-awareness helps leaders and their teams stay purpose-driven, even in chaotic, challenging situations, so decisions and actions are aligned with values. Leaders focus on what is possible and how to create that future, starting now, by being curious, open, and flexible.
Showing up with Intention, Awareness and Presence
Approaching situations with intention and maintaining awareness of what’s happening for oneself and others in the present moment. Strong intention establishes a clear roadmap. Awareness allows leaders to respond effectively (vs. react) and adapt to changing circumstances as they arise. Research shows that people are only paying attention about half the time, and since you can’t do anything if you missed something, increasing awareness is likely the most singularly powerful skill leaders can develop for doing literally everything more effectively.
This also includes intentional commitments for how team members – particularly members of a leadership team – set direction, prioritize, and show up for each other, as well as for the larger organization. Presence and awareness increase the intelligence of the entire organization so that issues are flagged earlier and opportunities can be identified and developed.
Taking Conscious Action with Accountability
Acting in ways that are aligned with one’s values and taking 100% responsibility for one’s role in any situation.
Conscious actions move any situation forward. Through taking deliberate (and frequently small) steps, leaders can create your desired outcome. When they assume responsibility, they have the power to be part of the solutions to problems, regardless of who created them.
Conscious action requires a growth and learning mindset. As opposed to a passive or victim mentality, successful leaders take charge of what IS in their control and do the best they can with what’s in front of them. The strongest and most resilient leaders are curious and open, focused on how they can learn from their experiences to achieve their goals, prepare for the future and inspire others to do the same.
To be effective, leaders and leadership teams also need to act consciously and be aligned with their purpose, considering both the intended and unintended consequences of their decisions. Doing so helps mitigate potential negative outcomes and increases the likelihood of success. When both leaders and teams maintain a learning mindset and are accountable for their actions, they have the power to create cultures where values like respect, trust, authenticity, accountability, agility, compassion, gratitude, and excellence become standard – and an avenue to even greater business success.
Program Offerings
I offer classes and workshops to help leaders develop their awareness and skills in these three areas of emotional intelligence. Popular topics include: Leadership Purpose, Skills for New Managers, Mindfulness for Leaders, Building Resilience, and Presenting with Presence. Note that customized programs are also possible, as is follow-up coaching to support further integration of these skills. For a consultation on how I can help you develop your leadership talent, contact me here.