Integrated Leadership

When it comes to dealing with modern challenges of leadership, it can help to turn to ancient wisdom

Lao Tzu

The ‘Integrated Approach’ we could say is ancient leadership wisdom delivered in a modern context.

Are we really leading in a different way to how our great historical leaders lead?

This question confronts us in every moment and has been doing so for centuries, yet this question is asked as if it were brand new. Centuries ago, myths helped the Greeks learn to reject dictatorial authority and identify the qualities of good leadership. the same mythologies have lessons for us today, just as they did for the ancient great leaders centuries ago, i.e. the Greeks, Romans, Indian etc.

Steve Jobs wished he had met Socrates. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a Marcus Aurelius fan. Elon Musk leans toward Aristotle. Even if channel into our past Leaders, as it knows how they lead, is desperately what is truly needed today. This is an indication of truth that many successful people today are influenced and lead by dead people.

In the world, many Leaders are leading against a description of how-to lead. They have an element of fear to doing something different that is crucial in making a difference, especially following the current pandemic and economic situation. For example, can they come from the heart, are they genuine in valuing people, do they have a desire to grow, and do they really understand what true authentic leadership is?

The truth is many Leaders today is not wanting to grow, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even physically. My findings showed me that people in leadership roles, which include leaders in the home, work, businesses, government, and organisational platforms, do not love or value themselves, then how can they extend what they don’t have to others?

The idea of work/life balance for leaders has philosophical principles in Lao Tzu’s teaching on balance in life. This is a clear indication in my books that work/life balance is strongly linked to our emotions, mindsets, and our ability to love and respect the self to then extend that to others.

It is evident from my interactions from around the world that leaders who are seeking to look to the future by seeking wisdom from the past excellent accomplishers. I know that Leadership can only begin from within, as proven by successful leader’s past and present. And for that to happen you need to know yourself i.e. Know Thy Self.

“Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.”

Winston Churchill

According to Winston Churchill, there is much we can learn about politics by turning to the pages of history.

The past can show us how historical leaders and political forces shaped the world. Studying ancient emperors and powerful dynasties can teach us about courage, conflict, and community. Some ruled with aggression, while others led with empathy and kindness.

Through these studies of character, we can see how people, economies and entire countries are affected by a leader’s actions.

The integrated leadership is an emerging leadership approach that cultivates collective learnings from various sources to achieve the universal good. My Ideal is to teach this generation and the incoming leaders. To create Leaders of change that go on to ignite transformation across the globe

We know Emotions are the great drivers of humanity Its why history repeats itself. It’s a fact that Human nature hasn’t changed, despite all the progress we’ve made. More so than ever Leaders in positions and even those not in positional leadership are turning to ancient manuscripts to question existing leadership.

One of the essential responsibilities of a leader is to set the bar of expectations and create accountability. One thing I have seen with emerging leaders across many aspects of business, family and professional life is a temptation to lower expectations at the first sign of struggle. Resulting in too many of us settle for being the second leader because it is more comfortable

Don’t be afraid to have great expectations, if you are committed to helping others pursue their desires. Deep down, people want to improve, they want accountability, and they want to be held to a high standard. They also want to know you are on their side. 

Where do you need to raise the bar for yourself and the people you lead? How can you coach them to clear that standard? 

Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be

Stephen R. Covey