What does “leadership success” look like for you and how can you attain mastery?

As a result of COVID-19, the business success landscape is changing. And as it does, those seeking to master a winning edge are being called on to consider innovative ways of thinking and problem-solving, challenging conventional norms and wisdom.

The question comes down to this: who do YOU want to be and what to you want to be known for?  What is the vision you have for your personal power and purpose?  When we tap into our inner core, we activate power beyond what we may think possible…in the Greek classic The Odyssey, Odysseus called this “the hero’s journey.”

Meet Suzanne. She is the president and founder of an international digital marketing agency who has had to redefine her agency’s employment structure, packages, and pricing since COVID hit in March 2020. As the lockdown progressed through that first year, she realized that the rules of engagement for her business were changing as remote work becoming more of a norm, online usage patterns and preferences were evolving, and questions were emerging about what the workplace of the future would look like. Her employees were no longer interested in coming into the office. Nor were her clients. Everyone wanted direct, meaningful connection, value, authenticity, and engagement…. minus the commute and travel time.

“I realized there was a new currency at play here for leading effectively. Prior to COVID=19 we often saw rigidity emerge among our clients and team-members during times of uncertainty, stress, or threat. Now – for the first time - everyone was in the same boat, trying to make sense of what was going on and trying figure out the best way to move forward. 

It hit me like a bolt of lightning – I needed to listen deeply and openly to clients and employees – and incorporate the skills, wisdom, and value each person brought to bear to make the best of the situation we faced. No one person had all the answers.  In our company this meant reassessing products we offer and how they are packaged and priced. But, more importantly, it meant listening to figure out what people needed and wanted right now… what were the most pressing problems we could help solve quickly and effectively?

The result was a win/win all the way around and an openness on our end to considering and then rolling out products and services we previously hadn’t considered. Our employee team became re-energized and committed to the highest levels of client success. I was blown away by the gift COVID-19 gave us to improve both client service and employee engagement.”

As Suzanne learned, there are 7 levels of consciousness and personal power that correlate with impact, where each level is significantly more powerful than the one beneath it and each one has an express purpose and function* As you build awareness of those levels, and understand them, you have a clear roadmap to shift into higher levels of impact and performance, seeking gifts and opportunities as Suzanne and her teams did.

The first 2 levels are where you’ll uncover the greatest blind spots and default tendencies – especially when under stress.

Level 1 is victim thinking and we all have some of this in our lives - it’s us against the world. For entrepreneurs this shows up as fear and worry. And for all of us this can show us as a sense of fear and/or overwhelm where we’re stuck, indecisive or confused. We’re afraid of being rejected.

Level 2 shows up as conflict and anger where we’re building by force and comparing and competing against others. This is where us workaholics live and play…striving, overworking, and stressing out.

Level 3 revolves around you taking responsibility for how yourself and how you interpret things. This is also an area of rationalization where you may accept thing that aren’t working out and agree to settle for stagnation. You are productive and experiencing some level of success but have a nagging sense that there is more you could be doing.

At Level 4 we’re all about caring, giving, and helping…concern for others before ourselves and often over-delivering. We pour into the causes and people we care about most. This level of energy is the entry point for self-mastery and begins to provide us with the gift of attracting those with like-energy and engagement.

At Level 5 everything is a gift, opportunity, possibility for growth and engagement. There is peace of mind at play here as we pursue win/win partnerships. Thinkers here find meaning, purpose and learning in everything they experience. This is the sweet spot for entrepreneurship.

Level 6 is the level of synthesis and connections between you and everyone/everything else. This is where “gut feeling” comes alive and creative geniuses such as the Einstein’s of the world emerge.

Level 7 is the level of creation and truth…a rare and unique experience around purse creation without fear, judgement, or concern such as the moment when a new baby is brought into the world

Each of us carries all 7 levels of self-mastery and awareness with an average being what determines our world view and reaction to events, business, and life.  Where are YOU today and where do you want to be?  

At the end of the day, “leadership” is, and should be, a hero’s journey, bringing out the best in ourselves and others.

To learn more about engagement, inspiration and energy for yourself or your team let’s set up a Complimentary Discovery Call at laura@bydesigncoachingcenter.com. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.