Discover the key principles of conscious leadership in our latest blog and podcast series. We delve into the power of clarity, the courage to face challenges, the discipline of consistent action, and the impact of authenticity in leadership. Through relatable examples, we explore how these principles can transform your leadership journey, helping you lead with greater purpose, resilience, and effectiveness. Tune in to gain insights that will inspire and empower your path forward.

PODCAST

Introduction

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. This is Chris Walker. Welcome to the Self Leadership Podcast. Today, we’re delving into the fascinating intersection of writing, leadership, and personal growth. This exploration will reveal how writing isn’t just a skill but a powerful tool that parallels the courage, wisdom, and discipline required to be a great leader.

The Courage to Write, The Courage to Lead

Writing a book requires immense courage, similar to the courage it takes to be a leader. Over the years, I’ve authored 35 books—some exceptional, others ordinary—but each one reflects a journey of courage and wisdom. Writing, like leadership, demands you to structure your thoughts, manage your emotions, and lead others through the clarity of your ideas. Just as leaders face monumental tasks that seem overwhelming, writing a book can appear daunting. But here’s the key: no one writes a book in one sitting, just as no one becomes a leader overnight.

Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Tasks

Both writing and leadership involve breaking down large, intimidating tasks into smaller, manageable steps. When writing a book, you don’t aim to complete it all at once; you write one paragraph at a time, setting daily goals like writing 1,000 words or completing three pages. Similarly, leadership requires you to tackle challenges incrementally, making steady progress. The art of writing—and leading—is about knowing where you’re going and prioritising tasks accordingly.

Self-Honesty and Readiness

Before embarking on any significant task, whether it’s writing a book, delivering a speech, or creating a strategic plan, it’s crucial to ask yourself a critical question: “Am I ready to do this?” Often, the answer might be “No,” and that’s okay. Fear can be a significant barrier to performance, and anything done in fear is unlikely to succeed. Self-honesty is vital; if you’re not ready to address certain topics, it’s better to acknowledge that and work through your fears and baggage before proceeding.

The Role of Personal Experience in Leadership

My experiences, particularly the trauma of my first marriage breakdown, have taught me the importance of dealing with personal baggage. It wasn’t the marriage or losing my children that caused me pain; it was the unresolved issues I brought into the relationship. Now, having worked through those challenges, I can speak openly and courageously about relationships and the impact of unresolved baggage on leadership. Leaders, too, must be prepared to handle any topic they expect others to tackle, drawing on personal experiences to connect authentically with others.

Creating the Right Environment

The environment in which you work is crucial to your success. My office is a sanctuary filled with reminders of what matters most to me—memories from the Himalayas, family photos, and inspiring elements. When I work, I ensure my environment is free from distractions, allowing me to focus 100% on the task at hand. This practice is essential for any leader, whether you’re writing a book, drafting a critical report, or delivering a speech. The environment you create influences your productivity and the quality of your work.

Environment as a Reflection of Leadership

Your environment extends beyond your workspace; it includes how you present yourself and the spaces you inhabit. For instance, if you’ve undergone personal growth and become more conscious, yet you continue to wear the same clothes or work in the same old environment, it’s challenging to convince others that you’ve evolved as a leader. Your environment is a reflection of you, and it’s the first thing people notice. To communicate your growth and leadership effectively, your environment must align with the changes you’ve made.

Routine vs. Superstition

Routines can be incredibly beneficial in both writing and leadership, but they shouldn’t become a crutch. For example, I prefer writing early in the morning, around 3 a.m., but I’m careful not to let this routine become a superstition. It’s essential to maintain flexibility in your routines, knowing when to push beyond them and avoid turning them into rigid, limiting practices. A balanced approach to routines helps in maintaining discipline while encouraging self-leadership.

Conclusion: Harnessing the Power of Leadership and Writing

By breaking down tasks, being honest with yourself, and creating the right environment, you can harness the power of leadership and writing. These practices lead to a more effective, connected, and conscious life. Whether you’re leading a team, writing a book, or having a meaningful conversation with your children, these principles will help you achieve your goals and build the life you want.

Thank you for tuning in. This is part one of a four-part series where we continue to explore the fourth level of the consciousness cone—success. Remember, keep it real, keep it messy, and keep practising.

See you soon!