THE DIARY OF A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPER vol1

I recently facilitated a team leadership session with a University Women's Basketball team.  I went into the session equipped with an activity I felt would be engaging and facilitate a paradigm shift for the group.  The players were all active participants in the session and they completed the activity as prescribed, but still something was missing.  There was an elephant in the room.  There was an issue with this group that nobody felt comfortable addressing and bringing to the surface.

I left the session split.  My ego was pleased at the level of engagement and active participation.  I was even impressed with some of the insights presented by the group.  The servant leader in me, recognized that while I'd run a successful session I hadn't served the needs of the group.

After a long post session debrief with the Head Coach and considerable reflection I realized that there is no cookie cutter approach to facilitating leadership.  If there was, everyone would be good at it.  Contingency Theory to leadership suggests that there is no absolute correct approach to leadership development, but rather that the approach should be based on the needs of the participants and the complexities of the situation and environment.

I used to enjoy facilitating team leadership with groups I knew would be moved by the knowledge and insight I was able to share.  As I lean into the discomfort of facilitating sessions with groups that have complex team dynamics it is no longer about what I know, but rather how can I make what I know relative to their unique situation and their needs.  This was a stoking revelation that I took to my next team leadership session at a Student Leadership Academy.  I decided to be the "guide on the side", instead of the "sage on the stage" and allow the group to steer the destination of the session.  The result was an absolutely transformational experience shared between me and the participants.  With the exception of the lead in activity, I TOYF'd (Think On Your Feet) the session, trusting my knowledge of the subject matter and my abilities as a facilitator.

These growth experiences are only available to those who are willing to step outside their comfort zones, lean into the discomfort and practice faith over fear.  Relinquish control of the known, for the ambiguity of the unknown.  The known has it's value, however the unknown is quantum in nature, guided by rules while maintaining a sense of chaos.  This "chaordic" world is were greatness lives and where you truly get to "Know Thyself".  Thomas Hobbes professed that you can learn more by studying oneself, than by studying others: particularly the feelings that influence our thoughts and motivate our actions.  Hobbes stated "but to teach us that for the similitude of the thoughts and passions of one man, to the thoughts and passions of another whosoever looketh into himself and considereth what he doth when de does think, opine, reason, hope, fear, etc., and upon what grounds; he shall thereby read and know what are the thoughts and passions of all other men upon the like occasions".

MOVE!

TED

I'm super excited to attend my first TEDTalks conference TEDxToronto - Alchemy. 

Love the concept of Alchemy as it relates to leadership.  Alchemy is the the capability of turning base metals into the noble metals, gold or silver, as well as an elixir of life conferring youth and immortality.  In my opinion, the construct relates to leadership as leaders help people learn how their seemingly ordinary qualities are truly extroadinary and valuable.  Leaders also help seemingly ordinary people do extraordinary valuable things.

I'm a bit of a TEDTalks junkie.  Today I thought I would share with you my top 3 TEDTalks presentations.

#3 - SIR KEN ROBINSON - School Kills Creativity & Changing Eductional Paradigms

OK. So this is really two.  Ken Robinson raises important questions about where we have placed value in education and the impact on creativity, student engagement and appreciating differences.  If you've never seen these presentations.  Take the time to check them out.  Life altering for anyone facilitating learning, leadership, or parenting.

#2 - SIMON SINEK - How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Simon Sinek cuts to the core of prioritizing the roots of actions, by first connecting with purpose.  Instead of "What are we going to do? And "How are we going to do it?"  Sinek asks leaders to start with the question "Why".  He gets us to connect with purpose.  Instead of what and how, start with why.  This is how great leaders inspire action.  This approach connects with audiences and followers at a deep mental and emotional level.  It also offers insight into your vision so that people can follow along and contribute to the master plan.

#1 - BRENE BROWN - The Power of Vulnerability

This is my favorite TEDTalks.  Brown rocked my world with her research.  Everyone I send this to has an "a-ha" moment and connects with her message.  Brown offers what is in my opinion life altering insight into the power of Vulnerability.  Her research on vulnerability and shame unravels the source of true courage, creativity, enlightenment and joy.

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THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY

"The Power of Vulnerability" is our featured video above is a presentation by vulnerability researcher Brene Brown.  Brown is also the author of Daring Greatly, The Gifts of Imperfection and  I Thought It Was Just Me - but it isn't  This presentation rocked my world.  I'm still downloading, reflecting and considering the power of vulnerability, the importance of worthiness and the effects of shame in my own life.  Brown's research and insight have propelled me to a greater understanding of the dichotomy between my identity and personality.  In my opinion this is a life altering presentation that everyone should consider, especially leaders.

Don't believe the hype that leadership is about bossing people around.  Leadership is about change and true leaders use various tools and contigency based models to facilitate change through a servant transformational approach.  The first fundamental step for any leader is knowing thyself.  The value of self knowledge and an understanding of self is incredible.  Learning about yourself gives you insight into your strengths, weaknesses and ways you respond to situations and more importantly reasons your respond the way you do.  This awareness to move us closer to our identity, who we really are and away from our personality, who we've become as a result of external influences like parenting, media and ego.  This awareness also helps us to become mindful of how our behaviour influences others.  This awareness leads to empathy, a tool and skill no true leader can function without.  Brown's research should an essential chapter in every leaders journey.

I have already received incredibly insightful feedback about this presenation from friends and colleagues.  I would love to hear from other movers.

Enjoy!

Move!