Becoming a Holistic Leader: 3rd Edition E-Book

Dedicated to Lily, Ashley, Briar, Ethan and Logan

A lot has happened around the world since the first edition of Becoming a Holistic Leader: Strategies for Successful Leadership using a Principle-Based Approach was released seven years ago. The international financial system teetered on collapse, the Great Recession exerted pernicious effects (which still linger) and the globalization of work and technology continue their relentless march forward.

In 2011, turmoil exploded in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa as citizens took to the streets to demand meaningful change from their national governments–the Arab Spring. Self-empowerment in action. Yet within a few years hope turned to despair and fear, witnessed by repressive government actions and the rise of ISIS. And while the Occupy Wall Street movement quickly seized attention across North America, Europe and Australia, it deflated almost as quickly.

Highlights of the third edition of Becoming a Holistic Leader are shared in this and coming ChangingWinds posts. However, the e-book is a free download, so don’t delay in doing so. And of most personal significance, yours truly has gone from a grandfather of two to five over the past seven years. It is to my three granddaughters and two grandsons to whom this book is dedicated: As you grow, may you find your leadership within and share with the world.

In this post, the 10 guiding principles that serve as the base for the practice of Holistic Leadership are summarized. When the waters get rough, having a set of personal principles make that period less chaotic. Of special importance, if you wish to avoid getting caught in the trap of poor leadership practices, a set of guiding principles will serve as a guidepost. They’re especially helpful when we face turmoil in our lives, whether at work, home or in our communities. By working continually to staying true to these principles, we’ll be better able to remain centered and focused when leading.

1) I own my morale and attitude

No one but me determines whether I’m happy with my job. If I don’t like my work environment, then it’s up to me to empower myself to either improve my work situation or to seek opportunities elsewhere.

2) I communicate in a clear and honest way

When I speak to my co-workers, staff and customers, I ensure that I’m unambiguous and forthright. If I’m in a position to give performance reviews, then I do so in an honest, constructive way that promotes improvement. And when I communicate to my superiors I speak truth to power, never sugar-coating issues or manipulating information for my own gain.

3) I share the information I have access to openly and without reservation

Protecting my turf is something to which I abstain. I refuse to be a gatekeeper of information and share what I learn. Instead I work across organizational boundaries, promoting collaboration and information sharing. I’m transparent in my actions and beliefs.

4) I embrace lifelong learning and encourage the same in my co-workers

Whether it’s being a coach, mentor or mentee, I continually strive to learn new ideas and how to apply them and to share them with my co-workers. I never arrive for I am on a lifelong journey.

5) I am humble in my interactions with others

There are always others who possess more knowledge and capability than I. I have much to learn from these individuals and welcome their wisdom. There are many unknowns of which I am unaware.

6) I have the backs of my co-workers and staff

Protecting those I care about and respect is central to my being. I don’t tolerate others talking about my co-workers and friends behind their backs. If I’m serving in a managerial position, I stand behind my staff during times of difficulty; I never sell them out for my own gain.

7) I share leadership unreservedly

Knowing when to step back and let someone else lead is something I accept without reservation. I know when to check my ego. And I understand that when leadership is shared throughout the organization that an incredible power of creativity and energy is unleashed.

8) Be open to outcome

We live in a world where uncertainty and discontinuous change are the new normal. There will be many Black Swans of change. I accept this and remain open to change, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the dance of life.

9) I know how to take a joke

Being able to poke fun at myself, especially when it comes to acknowledging mistakes, is something of which I’m not afraid; I learn from such experiences. And I know never to make fun of others at their expense.

10) I am a custodian of Earth and am environmentally responsible

Stewardship is a vital tenet of who I am as a human being. I’m here for a brief period, a nano-second in time. But during this short interlude, I act responsibly in my interactions with Planet Earth and its inhabitants.

Questions for Reflection:

a) Think about some great leaders you’ve worked for or seen in action. What appeared to be their strongest principles in how they led others?

b) What principles do you want to guide you in exercising your leadership?

c) What aspects of yourself will you start to change, based on these principles?

d) Ask yourself at the end of each day: “What actions did I take that showed my commitment to these principles?

e) What will I do differently tomorrow?

What are you waiting for? Be sure to download this e-book and accelerate your leadership growth!

Stability is found in freedom — not in conformity and compliance.
– Margaret Wheatley

  Click here to download a complimentary copy of Jim’s e-bookBecoming a Holistic Leader, 3rd Edition.

  Visit Jim’s e-Books, Resources and Servicespages.

  Contact Jim for information on his Holistic Leadership Workshop

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