As a leader, how do you normally deal with your self? Are you aware of your strengths or shortcomings? What is Self-Leadership? What does it make to become a Leaders.
These were some of questions, my mind was entangled with - while entering the class room - my first class at SOIL. And my teacher for today and a guide/mentor forever: Mr Anil Sachdev was conducting a session on Self Leadership.
Anil Sachdev - the name reverberating in my conscience & consciousness from the day, i came to know about SOIL - an insitute of its kind - envisioning to educate the leaders of tomorrow with right knowledge blended with values.
With these feelings, i placed myself in the first rows to be able to witness all from close quarters. The session began with Anil sir's speech (words many pay or sway to hear) about his journey from a 5 year kid to a 57 year spiritual leader. Half century of experience, expression and expertise marked his words for few minutes.
As time passed on, I could understand that Body and Soul are separate. Body/Senses is a mere Object and the Soul is the real "I", which is the inner driving force of the body. I came to know that there are 6 layers of Self-Leadership, which are :
1) Body/Senses/Perceptions - Data
2) Instinct/Reaction - Information
3) Response - Emotions
4) Intellect - Choice
5) Ego - Wisdom
6) Driving force – Mindfulness
We learnt that our body/senses(diversity) can only accept the data coming from outer sources. Generally our Instinct is based on our previous experiences and one should not react to the data until the entire information is clear. Once the information is known, It tries to establish a emotional attachment (Compassion),then we would be left with the choices and it’s up to individual on what decision to take(where Ethics comes into picture).Then comes the wisdom of the person(Sustainability) and the last and inner layer is the Life Driving force (Mindfulness).
I always thought eyes to be the most powerful sense in communication, but realized today, how important it is for other senses (gestures, lips, face,words) to create an effective communication. How these sense combined with listening skills add up any communication and that listening is the most important part of a conversation or communication.The audience controls and decides the flow of speech. A leader commands control of his audience through instilling listening power in people. He forms emotional bond with the audience. Great leaders are great listeners. I was feeling quite enlightened by this time.
The sessions had series of learning activities included wisely to make learner simpler and better. We learnt that it is not only ‘Self realization’, but an inspired leader should also master other effects of communication in the form of observation, listening and touch. It was surprising to see the power of touch, when we came together to heal a colleague with meditation by transforming our energies to create a sense of oneness. Through touch one can express Empathy and togetherness. Anil sir stressed upon the cribbing aspects within us - which i had once mastered - when life had different moves on me. Facts were coming to life in the class room for me.
As the session was nearing its end, i was getting answers to my questions - how i can deal with self to be a leader - by aligning the 6 layers. How i can be aware of my strengths - by self realization, practicing the art of listening. Finally - what it takes to become a leader - by allowing oneself to raise the altar to alter one's ego and work towards building a character, which in turn build competency.
The half day session on self leadership had ended, but it embarked and emblazoned on our memories the self less preaching’s & teaching of the leader himself. The leader - from whom i look forward to learn - live - lead in years ahead - Anil Sir!
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