Embodied Leadership

Leadership is such a potent word, such an inspiring word, and—in its overuse—such a diluted word.

The word itself didn’t appear in English until 1821 with the combining of leader and ship. Thus the word joins setting direction with its vehicle of movement—a guide carrying others forth. It is a powerful concept and one that really calls forth the best in those who practice it.

Years of practicing yoga, and studying the connection between body and mind, has led me to focus on the embodiment of leadership. And years of coaching leaders has helped me discern that the single most important element of embodied leadership is integrity.

Integrity is another potent word. It has its roots in the latin word integer meaning undivided or whole. While the word integrity has come to be primarily associated with honesty, I find its earliest meaning to be a more useful guide.

The most effective leaders, the most inspiring leaders, the most enduring leaders are those who lead from a place of wholeness, from their whole selves. This means they are honest, self-reflective, thoughtful, consistent; they are aligned with themselves and through that alignment comes strength the same way the human body is strongest and most agile when its skeletal structure is straight.

Leadership asks a great deal of us. It necessitates ongoing reflection and growth. But its rewards are prodigious.

The accomplishments of one will never rival the accomplishments of many. And it is leadership that carries these accomplishments forth.   

For all the leaders in the world, thank you for your contributions. It has been an honor to support you all of these years. I look forward to supporting you many more.