Awareness and Today’s Emerging Leaders

After many years as a successful salesperson for a Fortune 100 company, I found myself standing in front of my closet, contemplating my line-up of navy blue suits. Then it hit me. I had been using these suits as armor to protect myself from the cold, hard business world. When I put on one of my trusty navy blue suits, I became bold and strong, able to handle any sales or business situation. In a symbolic gesture that day, I did something very radical.

I burned one of my navy blue suits! In doing so, I vowed to start the perpetual journey and challenge of living life as “the real Danita,” not the Danita who was dictated by the corporate world, the media, my friends, or my family. It was a powerful ah-ha moment for me as I realized that I had let the pressures of the world sway my core leadership principles.Many emerging leaders, regardless of their roles and responsibilities, face rapidly changing conditions, which have the potential to result in chaos, conflict and discouragement.  Seasoned leaders become increasingly aware of the fact that the Next Gen leaders need their wisdom and counsel to carry forward with continued business growth as well as smooth succession strategies. Next Gen leaders need to be reminded of who they are and what their purpose is in this world.
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Activate Awareness
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​Observing future leaders and how they interact with one another will help you understand them, which will in turn, help you reach them in a way that makes a lasting impact. This will help them learn the value of being aware and cultivating a courageous character core that’s resilient and leads well even in the midst of chaos.

When dealing with overwhelming change, conflict, or confusion, I re-read the words I wrote on a meditation card many years ago:  
“I am exactly who I am supposed to be, a woman made in God’s image, who’s been strategically called to particular people, places, and situations to accomplish God’s purposes and plans.”Inward
Invite the young leaders you mentor to take a survey, like StrengthsFinder, to learn more about their natural talents. Then, discuss their reflections on how these strengths might be impacting them every day. For example, you might ask, “What energized or de-energized you today?” and help them see the interplay.Outward
Discuss with your young leaders how the strengths identified in StrengthsFinder impact their relationships with team members, leadership opportunities, and friend/family dynamics.  Encourage them to talk about their external experiences with you or another coach or mentor who will challenge and motivate them.

Upward
Invite young leaders and other trusted mentors to form a listening and learning group to help recognize times when God speaks to them through a moment. Share your own mistakes in listening and discerning God’s voice. When they use “Listening Upwards” exercises to grow, they are more apt to move from a talking-only mode to an action-always mode.

Dakota Way Leadership question: How might you help Emerging Leaders develop awareness of themselves, their community, and their God? How do they inter-connect?

Dakota Way Leadership lesson: Be proactive in developing tools and rhythms to improve awareness in all dimensions.

© Copyright Danita Bye, 2016