In this episode, Chris discusses the concept of consciousness and its critical role in leadership and life. Speaking from the serene outdoor office in the bush, he explores how awareness impacts decision-making and the importance of maintaining a broad perspective in both personal and professional realms. Chris emphasizes that conscious leadership involves understanding and balancing various aspects of the environment and industry to make informed and wise decisions. Tune in to learn how expanding your consciousness can lead to more effective leadership and a harmonious life.

Introduction

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris, speaking from the outdoor office in the bush with the wind blowing through the trees. Instead of the waves on the beach, we have the rustle of leaves, a beautiful backdrop for today’s discussion on the concept of consciousness.

The Essence of Consciousness

Today, we’re delving into the word consciousness. It’s a fascinating term, implying awareness and the state of being conscious of something. Theoretically, consciousness is anything you can see or perceive. For instance, being conscious of a snake means you see it and are aware of its presence. However, merely being aware isn’t sufficient; one must also understand the implications, such as the potential danger of being bitten. Consciousness can be focused narrowly on small details, like knowing your jacket is in the hallway, but it can also miss crucial aspects, like the jacket rotting in the cupboard.

Expanding Consciousness

Higher consciousness involves being aware of more things. According to the laws of nature, we start life unconscious of anything our parents weren’t conscious of. Our initial degree of consciousness is inherited, transferred to us in the first three years of life through our parents’ fears, emotions, and knowledge. For example, parents at a BMX track may transmit their fear of potential danger to their children, influencing their awareness and actions.

Consciousness is crucial for leadership. A leader must be aware of the business, the world it operates in, and the environment it participates in. Effective leadership requires seeing the balance in things. For instance, believing something will be great without acknowledging potential downsides is an unconscious approach. In business terms, unconsciousness often equates to emotional responses or mental health issues, whereas consciousness involves a balanced, rational perspective.

Consciousness in Business

To lead effectively, one must understand the environment beyond their immediate sphere. For example, running a local ice cream shop requires awareness of other shops, the town’s needs, and external factors that influence customer behaviour. Focusing solely on the shop itself, without considering the broader environment, will likely lead to failure.

Conscious leadership extends beyond local concerns to regional, national, and even global perspectives. For instance, running a statewide business in New South Wales involves understanding the Australian market and potentially the global market. In today’s interconnected world, industries like software require a global viewpoint due to international competition and market dynamics.

The Challenges of Staying Conscious

Staying conscious is challenging, especially when problems arise. Immediate issues can narrow our focus, pulling us into a problem-centric mindset. However, conscious leadership means maintaining a broader perspective, even when dealing with specific issues. It involves staying one step ahead, understanding the global context of your industry, and making informed decisions based on a comprehensive view.

Universal Consciousness

Conscious leadership isn’t limited to business. It encompasses personal awareness and global understanding. A conscious person is aware of problems and their global impact, balancing both sides of any issue. Learning and applying universal laws can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for making wise, impactful decisions.

Consciousness extends to all aspects of life, including relationships, health, community, and sport. Each area requires its own level of awareness. While having a universal consciousness is important, it’s also essential to focus on specific tasks with the appropriate level of consciousness.

Conclusion

This introduction to consciousness highlights its importance in leadership and life. Conscious change, grounded in awareness and understanding, is far more effective than reactive, guesswork-based change. Embracing a higher level of consciousness leads to wiser decisions and a more balanced approach to challenges.

This is Chris, wishing you a beautiful day. Bye for now.