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.
