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Conscious- and Inspired-Leadership Essentials Power can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. To some, the very thought of worldly power is a heady and motivational elixir. In this definition, one might envision "having people under him," who report to him and require his approval to move ahead with projects or activities. Or he might see himself in public office, or with a corporate title that conveys power to others. With this type of power, we hear derogatory phrases like "power hungry," "power trip," and "power monger." This is power based on external circumstances and perceptions, on a "win-lose" or "zero-sum" premise that boosts one (temporarily) at the expense of others, and therefore is no power at all. And all too often, such power-tripping requires one to flame the fire of fear, and take a journey away from ethics, integrity and deeper values such as honesty and trust. It is the illusion of power, which is why this type of power doesn't satisfy, as many studies and surveys have shown. Yet there is another power – a true power – that doesn't rely upon external measures or the perceptions of others. It doesn't depend upon others thinking more highly of you, or treating you deferentially, because of what you have or what you're called. To the contrary, this power stems from within you, from who you really are, and thus isn't a power that someone can arbitrarily diminish or take away. Power from within is inspired from a source far removed from the volatility and fickleness of the mob or the market. It's this type of power that resides in saints, sages and truly inspired leaders – the ones that inspire, encourage, and lift others up. Yet most people, even those who crave power, let this inner source go untended. They allow their most precious fuel source – that which can provide them with the meaningful life they desire – to go untapped. You've no doubt heard the phrase "she gave away her power" or "he stepped into his power." And you've probably seen the phrase attributed to Nelson Mandela or Marianne Williamson that "it's not the darkness we fear, but our light" – we fear shining too brightly, because we fear standing out, being separate from the herd. But to lead, truly, is to shine and stand out – to set an example that inspires others along. All of these refer to true power, the power that stems from within and finds its source in something far greater than anything the material world can provide. You give away your true power – diminish and cast it away – every time you refuse to take responsibility for your choices and your life or the smallest elements of it. You spurn your true power each time you let circumstances define you or, as said in the movie, The Matrix, every time you let the matrix – a pre-established program, the 'average', another person, a set of circumstances, or 'societal norms' – dictate to you who you are. Who are you, really, and what is your true power? The answer is waiting for you to see it, and to listen to its guidance. You can't buy it, and you don't need to. You already have it, and part of you already knows it. It rarely shouts, but whispers and leaves clues all along your path. It lives not in your intellect, but in your heart and soul — your very core. It can be heard most easily when you've quieted, and removed yourself if only for awhile from the bustle of the world. It can be seen only with an intentional and discerning eye – an eye that's open to seeing will see it more easily. And it can't be found in the praise of others, or in the car that you buy, or the title you wear hoping to impress others of your worth. Your worth is a given, it's a gift, and it's already within you and all around you. It's the buried treasure that you're seeking, and it's waiting for you to discover it and share it with others. It wants to be found. Don't you want to find it? |
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Copyright, Jamie S. Walters. This material is offered as food-for-thought rather than customized counsel. As always, the most effective strategy is one that's specifically tailored to your unique organizational culture, group personality, and individual needs. Have questions? We welcome your email inquiry. |
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Power-Up Your Quantum Leap with Ivy Sea's Conscious-Enterprise, Inspired-Leadership, and Big-Vision Entrepreneur Consulting Services: Learn how we can help you: (1) discover how to define your inspired-leadership, big-vision, or conscious-enterprise principles, (2) clarify and make progress towards your vision and "principles in action," (3) make the most of your individual and organizational strengths, (4) identify ways to "get there from here," (5) rise to greater levels of mastery, success and meaningfulness as a leader, group or organization; and/or (6) benefit from having a "thought and dialogue partner" with whom to discuss ideas, inspiration, issues and perspectives. How can we help you? Visit About Ivy Sea for more info, Or send us an email inquiry. |
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VIP Member Center. Use Ivy Sea Archive materials to augment your training, communication and leadership efforts: Our new VIP Membership gives you access to Ivy Sea's online library of copyright-protected skill-building materials for your training, development, intranet, and communication programs, with handy online access. And special "VIP-only" articles, tip sheets and issue-papers, as well. Becoming a VIP is as easy as can be! Find out more about our budget-friendly VIP Membership offerings. |
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Skillful Listening Essentials. The "Skillful Listening Essentials" PDF Tip Kit offers information, reflections, food-for-thought, and suggestions for practice that help increase one's ability to listen skillfully. Our Ivy Sea listening-skillbuilder PDF guide includes a review and tips for smoother interactions, listening deeply, fostering greater receptivity required for effective listening, inquiring more skillfully, being more conscious, and more. (39 pages, copyright protected, Ivy Sea, Inc.) Or you might need: • Big-Vision SOHO's Quantum Leap Guide |
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