Globalisation and digitalisation have created an extremely linked and unpredictable world, which is often referred to as VUCA* environment. Never before have we faced so many challenges. Never before have we had so many opportunities to consciously shape and enhance our future.
While dealing with complex business challenges, leaders find less and less answers in conventional leadership models. Hence a paradigm shift is becoming necessary – more integral, intelligent solutions are needed. To make this paradigm shift happen, a transformation of our mind-set and behaviour is required. The conscious leadership approach facilitates this shift by using actual scientific insights and ancient wisdom.
For example, biologists distinguish between the protection mode and the growth mode of a body cell. In life-threatening situations, the cells automatically switch into protection mode. The reaction is either fight or flight and the body intelligence assists by directing all energy to the muscle cells. The brain supports this survival strategy by transmitting energy from areas, which are responsible for logical thinking and creativity, to areas steering body reflexes.
In the fast changing business world of the 21st century, humans primarily encounter psychological threats. For example, when facing an unknown situation, the automatic body reaction is similar to life-threatening events. Therefore well-reflected decisions and creative solutions are hardly possible when in protection mode.
On the other hand, creativity and innovation originate from the growth mode. Conscious leaders have learned to switch into growth mode. In consequence, they are capable of challenging their own assumptions and remain available for new ideas, which want to emerge. By being conscious of themselves and their environment, conscious leaders are able to successfully turn challenges into business opportunities, even when facing volatility, uncertainty and complexity.
*VUCA = volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity
