Back in the late 90’s I took a one year diploma course called The Inner Craft of Leadership. I loved it. At that time I was working as a Career Consultant with clients who either were in, or had recently lost, leadership positions.

Many of these clients were great people with a lot of integrity. But, they weren’t aligned with their organisation’s culture or, more specifically, with the ‘political game’ they were expected to play.

Position based leadership and changing leadership values

The desire for position based leadership may be driven by needs for status, power and/or money. Qualities such as ethics, integrity, compassion and lack of self interest may not be high on the list of values when desire for position is primary.

I invite you to imagine a world where self serving leadership does not exist. Instead, leaders are people with the perspective, compassion and integrity to operate in service to the whole. I would define the whole as all of life on the planet.

It seems like a far fetched utopian idea. But not for you. You have the opportunity to be this type of leader in your own life now. This requires you to master the inner craft of leadership.

The Inner Craft of Leadership is based on a hierarchy of consciousness

Currently, human hierarchies are based on power that comes from position. There is a more hidden hierarchy based on consciousness. Power of position is external. Power of consciousness is internal.

As an energetic being, you are powerful. You have capacity to direct your energies with intention. When you have the knowledge or consciousness to use your power effectively, and in service to a greater cause than your own personal gain, you are employing the inner craft of leadership.

The inner craft of leadership is based on self awareness and responsibility. It’s based on a commitment to own your shadow and to heal the wounds that underlie distorted reactions. Although it wasn’t a feature of my training back in the 90’s, in the modern world, awareness of the impacts of trauma is relevant. Often, it’s trauma that feeds the so called drama triangle of victim/violator/rescuer.

The drama triangle is a feature of most world news items and also TV dramas. Learning to step out of these roles and to stop perpetuating such dynamics would be an amazing leadership action to take.

We may not see this happen on the world stage in our lifetimes. But, you and I can contribute to a future time through breaking free of status quo consciousness and claiming the sovereignty to lead our own lives according to the values and principles we consider important.

Leadership can be about being a lighthouse for others. Of course, it’s wonderful to experience a leader who has mastered the inner craft and also holds external power of position. But, the inner work comes first. It’s not necessary to have a powerful position to be a powerful leader and example for others.

Leadership coaching

Leadership coaching with me is very much about the inner craft and establishing the personal sovereignty, which enables you to direct your life in accord with your values and your Human Design. This is the secret to living a healthy, fulfilling life that provides satisfaction and success in your work and your relationships.