Active learning
Conscious leadership – Staying above the line
Conscious leadership – Staying above the line
5 minutes
Key Takeaways
A tool for leaders to evaluate their current state of mind represented as a line. At any moment, individuals find themselves either “above the line” or “below the line.” Being above the line denotes openness, curiosity, and a commitment to learning, while being below the line signifies a closed, defensive mindset fixated on being right.
In leadership, it's important to reflect on your current state and how it influences your behaviours and decisions.
When leaders are below the line, they often adopt a negative perspective, filled with beliefs of scarcity and threat. This mindset leads to defensive behaviours such as blaming others, rationalising their actions and pursuing conflict.
Leaders operating above the line see the situation with a sense of humor, prioritise growth over being right, and engage in deep listening and playful interactions. As humans, we are hardwired to react defensively in the face of threats, making it a common inclination to fall below the line.
However, leaders need to recognise that being in a defensive state restricts creativity, collaboration and connection - key components for thriving in modern leadership. Regularly self-assessing your position on the line, promoting the practice of honest communication about your state with yourself and others as the gateway to impactful leadership.
Source
The Conscious Leadership Group (2014). Locating Yourself – A Key to Conscious Leadership
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqzYDZAqCI&t=18s
by
The Conscious Leadership Group