Locating Yourself - A Key to Conscious Leadership

Summary

The video script by the Conscious Leadership Group introduces a simple tool to help leaders assess their mindset: a line that separates being 'above the line'—open, curious, and committed to learning—and 'below the line'—closed, defensive, and focused on being right. It discusses the typical beliefs and behaviors associated with each state, emphasizing that while going below the line is a natural response to perceived threats, it hinders creativity and collaboration. The script encourages leaders to be aware of their current location on the line to foster growth and effective leadership.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Conscious leaders frequently ask themselves 'Where am I?' to understand their current state.
• 📏 The script introduces a tool: a simple black line to represent one's state as either above or below the line.
• ⬆️ Being 'above the line' signifies openness, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.
• ⬇️ Being 'below the line' indicates a closed, defensive mindset focused on being right.
• 🌐 People below the line often perceive scarcity, believe their viewpoint is correct, and feel threatened.
• 😠 Individuals below the line may exhibit behaviors like clinging to opinions, blaming, and avoiding or seeking conflict.
• 🌱 Above the line, individuals prioritize growth, see all situations as opportunities, and maintain a humorous perspective.
• 🤔 Those above the line engage in deep listening, speak without argument, question beliefs, and embrace a playful life.
• 🧠 The human brain is naturally inclined to perceive threats and react defensively, which can lead to a 'below the line' state.
• 🚀 For modern leaders, being in a 'below the line' state hinders creativity, collaboration, and innovation, which are essential for thriving.
• 🗣️ The first step in conscious leadership is self-awareness of one's location above or below the line, which initiates meaningful dialogue.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script provided?

The central theme of the video script is the concept of 'Location' in the context of conscious leadership, which refers to whether a leader is above or below a metaphorical line that represents their state of being.

What does being 'above the line' signify for a leader?

Being 'above the line' signifies that a leader is open, curious, and committed to learning, which is a state conducive to creativity, collaboration, innovation, and relational connection.

What are the typical beliefs and behaviors associated with being 'below the line'?

Being 'below the line' is characterized by beliefs such as scarcity (not enough money, time, etc.), a sense of threat to approval, control, or security, and a serious view of situations. Behaviors include clinging to opinions, finding fault, blaming, gossiping, explaining, rationalizing, justifying, getting overwhelmed, and either avoiding or pursuing conflict.

How does the video script suggest leaders can identify their current 'location'?

Leaders are encouraged to stop and ask themselves, 'Where am I?' to determine if they are above or below the line in the current moment.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Location. Location. Location.' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'Location. Location. Location.' is used to emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the continuous self-assessment of a leader's state of being in relation to the line.

Why is it natural for humans to go 'below the line'?

It is natural for humans to go 'below the line' because our brains are hardwired to perceive threats, triggering a chemical response designed for survival, even when the threat is to our ego or identity rather than physical survival.

What is the impact of being 'below the line' on a leader's ability to lead effectively?

Being 'below the line' puts a leader in a survival mode, which is not conducive to high levels of creativity, collaboration, innovation, and relational connection, all of which are essential for effective leadership in modern times.

What does the video script suggest as the first step in conscious leadership?

The first step in conscious leadership, as suggested by the video script, is to be aware of one's current 'location' and to engage in truthful self-assessment and conversation about it.

How does the video script define the state of being 'above the line'?

Being 'above the line' is defined as a state where leaders value learning and growth over being right, see all people and circumstances as allies for growth, and maintain a humorous perspective on life's challenges.

What are the key actions that leaders 'above the line' are encouraged to practice?

Leaders 'above the line' are encouraged to practice curiosity, deep listening, speaking unarguably, questioning their beliefs, and living a life of play.

What is the role of the simple black line as a tool in the script?

The simple black line serves as a visual and conceptual tool to help leaders locate their current state of being, either above or below the line, which represents different attitudes and behaviors.