an icmr-iipm think tank publication - Cycbth.org

COURTNEY ANDERSON
Our business archetype from the start of this essay
may have accumulated all of the outward manifestations
of contentment; yet may still not be free of anxiety, anger,
disappointment and pain. Being cruel to other people
causes pain. Failing to accurately assess problems
and craft solutions also causes pain. Where is the line
between a transformational leader “inspiring people to
exceed their limitations” and “pushing people until they
break?” An obstacle to lasting transformational leadership
is losing sight of the big picture. It is an easy fallacy
to restrict the view of an individual to a world that
includes them. Our very existence is at the centre of our
thoughts and actions. We must ask ourselves, what is
our legacy? Transformational leadership without internal
actualisation and joy can result in a transformed but
hollow leader. To clutch the ephemeral nature of business
achievement and serve as a catalyst for generational,
lasting legacies of transformational change, it is
imperative that we engage in the following:
1. Utilize at least two “No Men” who are more cautious
and more risk adverse than you are. They must
be completely candid with you. Ideally, these should be
independent individuals who have no ulterior motive
for their feedback. They are the opposite of sycophantic,
“Yes Men,” who due to their dependence on you will tell
you whatever you want to hear. These individuals could
"TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
WITHOUT INTERNAL ACTUALISATION AND
JOY CAN RESULT IN A TRANSFORMED BUT
A COMPLETELY HOLLOW LEADER"
be relatives, mentors, friends, competitors, or even professionals.
This step is to address the issues of listening
skill development and idea intoxication which hinder
many executives from growth into an authentic transformational
leader.
2. Do not act out of obligation. Once you have
achieved a certain level of achievement. You have more
than enough, acknowledge it and embrace it. If 95% of
people live on fewer resources than you do, it is time for
you to enjoy the freedom that your diligence has reaped.
You are not obligated to do what “other people” do and
acquire what “other people” have. You do not have to
behave as you always have simply because that is what
other people think you should do. Do not imprison yourself
in the approval of other people. You are now free
to live as you please. You have proven your worth. Now,
create your life of contentment. This step is to address
the issue of acting out of habit and not changing the
narrative and resultant behaviour which hinders many
executives from growth into an authentic transformational
leader. This step utilizes a reactive focus to cease
“old” destructive behaviours.
3. Invest in practicing the “Joyful Art of Business”
as it applies to your life. This is a fundamental philosophy
of my global practice providing solutions for
business leaders and organisations around the world.
You are an artist and your business activities must bring
you joy. If they do not bring you joy, what is their purpose?
This step is also to address the issue of acting out
of habit and not changing the narrative (thought process
of conditioning) and resultant behaviour which hinders
many executives from growth into an authentic
transformational leader. This step utilizes a proactive
focus to create “new” constructive behaviours.
You also owe yourself continued growth (through
continuing education) and joy (from your work, loved
ones and service to others). Do not fall into the trap of
the purported transformational leader who although
they were successful in achieving their business goals
has failed to transform their own lives. Your feelings and
attitudes are a barometer for assessing your internal success.
If you feel joyful, you are more likely than not, succeeding.
If you feel despondent, bored, anxious, afraid
or any other destructive emotional states, then you are
not a transformational leader, but simply pretend to be
one each day. She pauses in the window and reflects for
a moment on the sunset. Perhaps tomorrow will be the
day she begins to metamorphose into an actual transformational
leader. It is her choice. What will tomorrow
bring you? What will your legacy be?
count your chickens before they hatch 37 april 2012