Adrianna Huffington said ““We are at an inflection point for leaders. But meeting the challenges of navigating the new normal isn’t just about looking out; it’s about looking in. What’s missing from our conversation is how leaders need to show up ready to lead from what is best, wisest, more creative and empathetic in them”
Leadership has been evolving for the last decade and the pandemic and has seen yet another iteration as we keep up with the ongoing demands of the role. A shift from a traditional style of leadership to embrace leading a new generation and a post pandemic workforce requires leaders who are authentic, calm, empathetic and collaborative. Leaders who have compassion, patience and the ability to listen, those not afraid to be vulnerable. With strong awareness they are adaptable and capable of leading others through change whilst regulating their own emotions.
Whether it’s talent shortages, recruitment difficulties, performance management, engagement or staff morale leaders carry a high burden which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic. Battling with empathy fatigue, change weariness, integrating hybrid working and trying to keep a culture of collaboration. It’s no wonder burnout is on the rise as we not only adapt to a new normal but also lead others through this landscape.
It's what lead me to write LeaderZEN and share what we can learn from zen traditions to support leaders in this new era. I have been fortunate to spend a decade in HR and leadership development, have been a senior leader myself and have also spent a decade studying across the globe with Buddhist monks and nuns. This ability to weave ancient eastern zen wisdom into our western people psychology of leadership development has combined to form LeaderZEN and things we can learn about self-mastery to make us better leaders.
What can leaders learn from zen traditions and what does a zen leader do and why is it so impactful?
1. Equanimity: Zen leaders maintain an even and stable mind, not easily swayed by emotions or external events.
2. Personal growth: Leaders can use zen teachings to continually strive for personal growth and development, which can lead to more effective leadership.
3. Compassion: Zen leaders approach their work and interactions with compassion, understanding, and empathy, treating all individuals with kindness and respect.
4. Wisdom: Zen leaders approach problems and challenges with wisdom, using a holistic and intuitive perspective to find solutions.
5. Authenticity: Zen leaders lead with authenticity, being true to themselves and their values, and modeling transparency and honesty.
6. Flexibility: Zen leaders are flexible and adaptable, remaining open to change and new ideas.
7. Emotional intelligence: Zen leaders have high emotional intelligence, being aware of their own emotions and able to effectively manage them, as well as understanding and managing the emotions of others.
8. Simplicity: Zen leaders focus on what is important, simplifying their approach and avoiding unnecessary complexities.
9. Self-awareness: Zen leaders are highly self-aware, having a deep understanding of themselves and their impact on others.
There’s a lot we can learn from zen traditions and how they apply to leadership to improve our capability and help us navigate this new era of leadership post pandemic. For those keen to go a bit deeper with this here’s a few more zen principles I think are useful for leaders to contemplate:
10. Mindfulness and awareness: Leaders can learn to be present in the moment and maintain a clear mind to make informed decisions.
11. Non-attachment: Leaders can learn to let go of attachment to status and ego which can reduce stress and increase focus on what is truly important. Allowing us to be more collaborative and inclusive.
12. Interdependence: Leaders can understand that everything is interconnected, and that success depends on the well-being of others, not just themselves.
13. Ethical behaviour: Leaders can inform their own moral code of conduct similar to the Buddhist Eightfold Path, which lays out guidelines for ethical behaviour and decision-making in zen traditions.
14. Acceptance: Leaders can learn to accept life's impermanence and to not attach to outcomes, which can increase resilience in the face of change and uncertainty.
By embodying these traits, leaders can become more zen which in turn create a work environment that is supportive, empowering, and productive, fostering growth and well-being for themselves and their teams.
Find out more about LeaderZEN here