When we are describing a leader with high emotional health levels we are describing someone who engages in mindful practices and makes ‘conscious choices’ in their decision making.
What does this mean? What are conscious choices and why are they an important aspect of emotionally healthy leadership?
When a leader is under pressure to make a decision, it can be very easy to take the ‘path of least resistance’ when making their choice. For instance, focusing only on the facts can lead to a quick decision and give an impression of competence; taking a choice that makes the next steps easy for others can build dependence; constantly exploring all possibilities can avoid having to commit to a specific direction.
While there is nothing wrong with doing any of these things as part of the process of making choices, emotionally healthy leaders are aware that following these ‘easier’ paths in isolation may end up satisfying their own needs alone rather than the needs of both themselves and any others who are involved. On the other hand, making a conscious choice to avoid the path of least resistance is more likely to lead to decisions that are better for everyone.
Emotionally healthy leaders are very aware of their own biases and perspectives. Operating ‘above the line’, they understand the impact these have on the way in which they view the world and the choices they ultimately make. This awareness encourages them to make conscious choices rather than taking easy options.
There are some simple yet important techniques that can assist you to make more conscious choices.
One (coming from our MBraining training) is to ensure you have engaged your three centres – body, heart and head – in each choice, by asking:
– What do I deeply need in this situation? (body)
– What do I truly feel about this situation? (heart) and
– What do I really think in this situation? (head)
Another is becoming more aware of what you are naturally drawn to in exploring each choice you are making. What is your ‘least action pathway’? What impact would taking that path have on others? What other perspectives could you explore that might make the decision more challenging but also more beneficial to everyone?
Being aware of the ‘inner messages’ you hold as a leader, and the impact these can have, can allow you to shift your focus away from what you ‘need’ yourself out of your choices and towards what impact you will have on both yourself and others when each choice is made.
