Leadership seems to come naturally to some and for others it takes learning but one thing is clear, it is no place for the ego.

Ego

A strong ego is not of much use to a leader and, in fact, can get in the way.  Ego is about the self.  Ego is often confused with being  strong.   From an intuitive perspective ego is a set of pictures or concepts of our perfect self.  We measure ourselves against those pictures.  When we like what we see we have a strong ego and we are proud.  When we do not feel that we measure up to our perfect self then we are invalidated.  Either extreme of the ego does not work in the world of leadership.  Leadership is not about self.

Leadership

Leadership is about the ability to lead in contrast to ego, which is about self.   A leader who is ego driven may feel strong to himself/herself, likes the sound of their own voice, likes their thinking and their presence. This seems almost like a performer in a play.  Leadership is about being strong of spirit, having a sense of purpose, wanting to hear the voice of others, encourages others thinking and has affinity for the people he/she leads. These are stark contrasts.

Jim, the “Leader”

I was speaking with “a leader” in a company.  I do not know him well. I was seeking his counsel on a mutual client and colleague.  The moment I posed the question for our discussion I saw his aura change with the energy of his ego coming strongly to the forefront.  Immediately I sensed that this was not going to be a discussion, that he was going to tell me the right answer because he saw being right was his role as the leader.  As you might imagine I could not hear or follow him in the conversation because his ego was so loud and occupied the entire space.  In fact, there was no conversation.  Jim was  leading by pushing his ego into the conversation.  Needless to say it did not go well.  I let the conversation end quickly so that I could pursue a solution another way.

Hold Your Head High

Being a leader is a way of being on an energy level.  A strong leader has a strong crown.  Crown refers to an energy center or chakra on the top of the head.  This energy center sets the tone for the group.  How he/she sets their crown give others a sense of how it feels to work with this leader.

An ego focused person tries to lead from their third chakra, the power center at the base of the sternum.  It often feels like control – not leadership – to those under him/her.  To be an effective leader means knowing yourself.   I love the term, “Know where you are coming from.”  From an intuitive perspective this means knowing the energy center do you lead from.  This makes all the difference in how people experience your leadership and their willingness to follow.

Lead from Upper Chakras

An effective leader leads from the upper chakras (energy centers).  Leading from the crown makes people feel comfortable that someone is in charge and has the certainty to lead.  A strong leader also uses the sixth chakra (center of head) to have perspective and experience the ability to see clearly the truth in any situation.  The fifth chakra allows the leader to give and receive communication and encourages creativity. Finally the fourth energy center (in the heart) is the ability of the leader to feel affinity for the people he/she leads.

Control/React from Lower Chakras

Leaders who are not effective are those who lead from their lower energy centers (chakras). They lead through control, have their ego in the way, are in competition with others and engage in power struggles through the third chakra (below the sternum).  It is not effective to use the emotions of the second chakra (the gut) or to be in fear and survival when operating from the first chakra (base of the spine).

Leadership – A Journey in Self-Awareness

Upper chakra leadership allows the leader to have neutrality and a clear perspective.  Operating from the lower chakras causes a leader to be reactive to whatever he/she encounters with little awareness of what is really going on.  None of this is logical but it is very intuitive.  Notice the energy center from which you or the leader in your business leads.  Being aware allows you to grow in your understanding of leadership.  Are you a leader?  Would you like to be a leader?  Begin by noticing what energy center you lead from.  Shift your energy to your upper chakras and experience a whole new way of being as a leader and others will allow you to lead.

Best wishes on your success,

Kay