The Conscious Leader: Taking Responsibility and Empowering Others

Leadership is not just about proving you can do your job well. The most effective leaders exhibit a high level of consciousness — being awake, aware, and mindful of themselves, others and the world around them. As author and leadership consultant Fred Kofman says, “Consciousness is the main source of effectiveness in life.”

So what does it mean to be a conscious leader? Conscious leaders take full responsibility for their actions and emotions rather than blaming external factors. They act with integrity and humility, focusing on bringing out the best in their people rather than feeding their own ego. As leadership guru Peter Drucker put it, “The task of leadership is to create an alignment of strengths in ways that make a system’s weaknesses irrelevant.”

Conscious leaders are masters of authentic communication — they are able to share difficult information honestly, respectfully and compassionately in a way that deepens relationships. They negotiate constructively to find solutions, and coordinate impeccably by making commitments they can and will fulfill. As Zig Ziglar said, “If you don’t see yourself as a team player, you probably won’t become an effective leader.”

Conscious leaders also have a high degree of emotional mastery. They understand their own emotions and can regulate their response to challenges. According to Travis Bradberry, “Emotional intelligence is the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence.”

In essence, conscious leaders empower others to succeed rather than focusing on proving their own competence. They tap into the human need for purpose and belonging to motivate people to achieve a shared vision. In the words of John Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Conscious leaders light the way for others to excel.