Zen Leader Blog | the zen leader (4)

How do most leaders get stuck in Maslow's Hierarchy?

Apr 29, 2012 6:01:00 PM

Figure 8 1 150px

Topics: Maslow's hierarchy, maslow, servant leadership, the zen leader, flips

Video: Workshop Experience

Apr 26, 2012 9:38:00 AM

In the final installment of our video series, Dr. Ginny Whitelaw, author of The Zen Leader, discusses what type of experience a participant can expect from one of her workshops or speaking engagements.

download-the-6-steps-to-renewing-your-en

Topics: zen leader, the zen leader book, speaking engagement, leadership workshop, zen, the zen leader, leadership, leadership development, zen leadership

A Business Case for The Zen Leader

Posted by Anthony Attan

Apr 19, 2012 11:15:00 AM

Topics: zen leader, paradox, the zen leader book, zen, the zen leader, leadership, leadership development, business coaching tool, zen leadership

What does spirituality have to do with Leadership Development?

Posted by Diane Chencharick

Apr 15, 2012 7:09:00 PM

I have been engaged in numerous discussions lately in leadership groups and have noticed an interesting trend: It doesn't take very long for the conversations to swing into territory we'd consider spiritual.

Whether we are centering ourselves through breathing or relaxation before an important presentation or finding ways to be "more present" and engaged when interacting with others, today's leaders are stepping over into territory once only defined as "new age." The coaching community not only recognizes this, but already integrates mindfulness into their coaching sessions. Leadership books like The Zen Leader show us how to get out of our own way by flipping to new levels of consciousness. Mind-over-matter principles don't seem to be enough anymore. The spiritual side of leadership appears to be coming out of the closet and into the mainstream.

I came across this article called The Progression of Power which offers an interesting perspective on leadership over the ages and how modern spiritual concepts are influencing today's leadership style. It's easy to see why books like The Zen Leader are answering the need for leadership at a higher level (preview it here).

One of the keys to becoming a better leader seems rooted in this universal connectedness that we call spirituality. Is this a fluke or a serious trend that will impact business operational style as well as environment? I'd love to hear what others think.

Topics: spirituality, the zen leader, leadership development

3 Common Myths about Zen and Why Zen Helps Leaders

Posted by Ginny Whitelaw

Apr 10, 2012 4:12:00 PM

I’ve heard these myths many times, but today I found all 3 of them in the same article. So here goes…

Topics: zen leader, the zen leader book, zen, meditation, the zen leader, flips, leadership, leadership development, whole leadership, zen leadership

Video: Why Spend the Energy to Become a Zen Leader?

Posted by Anthony Attan

Apr 4, 2012 3:31:00 PM

In this video, Ginny Whitelaw, author of The Zen Leader, discusses the importance of spending the effort and energy to lead like a Zen Leader.

Topics: zen leader, stress, the zen leader chapter 1, zen, the zen leader, leadership coaching, leadership, leadership development, managing energy, zen leadership

Are you really "listening"? Some thoughts from The Zen Leader.

Posted by Diane Chencharick

Apr 2, 2012 12:05:00 PM

I was having a conversation the other day about whether listening should be a core competency for leaders. There were a lot of interesting perspectives, but all agreed that listening… truly being present, attentive and hearing what's being said… was paramount. But one important factor seemed missing from this conversation -- you need to be clear on intent.

I consider myself a good listener. But I've found myself many times actively listening while "building my rebuttal" for what's being said. Are you listening to truly hear, acknowledge and consider a perspective that may not be your own... or are you looking for the critical flaw? In my opinion, how you answer that question determines a good listener.

It's very hard to change your own perspective. This goes against our very nature as human beings, as our own nervous system is wired for finding that single right answer. Our schooling as children continued to reinforce this habit: getting the right answer for 5 + 7, the proper spelling of hippopotamus, or the correct date of the NormanConquest (1066 in case you‟re wondering).

This is where intent comes into play. When listening, we need to stop looking for the "right answer" in what we are hearing. The Zen Leader calls this a "flip" in consciousness, and it occurs when one is willing to let go of "being right." To be a good listener, you need to make this flip. "With this flip, we transcend the dualism of this OR that," states Ginny Whitelaw, "...and play in the pull of multiple forces." (here is a further glimpse inside The Zen Leader, if you're interested).

When you listen with this intent: of hearing, acknowledging and a willingness to be changed by what's being said -- THAT is true listening.

Topics: the zen leader, flips

Video: What makes the Zen Leader special?

Posted by Anthony Attan

Mar 29, 2012 8:37:00 AM

"It was the first time in my own writing that I really felt I could get out of my own way. And I hope that same sense of inspiration comes across to the readers." - Ginny Whitelaw, author of The Zen Leader.

Topics: zen leader, the zen leader book, the zen leader, flips, leadership coaching, leadership, leadership development, whole leadership development, zen leadership

Video: Why write The Zen Leader?

Posted by Anthony Attan

Mar 27, 2012 6:34:00 PM

Ginny Whitelaw, author of The Zen Leader, discusses what lead her to write this book.

Topics: zen leader, the zen leader book, zen, the zen leader, leadership, leadership development, zen leadership

My Love Affair with The Zen Leader

Posted by Diane Chencharick

Mar 26, 2012 9:33:00 AM

I admit it… I've fallen head over heels for The Zen Leader. Not a person, mind you, but a fantastic new book by Ginny Whitelaw that can change your life. I know this sounds like an overstatement, but it's not. The Zen Leader walks you, chapter by chapter, through 10 "flips" that will take you from barely managing to leading fearlessly. They're called flips because they invert ordinary ways of thinking to radically reframe one's sense of self and the world. From outside-in to inside-out. From "it's all about me" to "I'm all about it." These flips of consciousness can make you a better leader. They can make you a better person -- agile, creative and extremely powerful. I think The Zen Leader is a MUST READ, and so do a lot of other people. Some pretty impressive reviews are available here.

Still want to see for yourself? Take a peek through the first 27 pages of The Zen Leader.

It's rare when you find a book you want to keep going back to. For me, The Zen Leader fits that bill… thus my love affair. .. and I'm ready to share it with the world:-)

Topics: the zen leader book, the zen leader chapter 1, chapter 1, the zen leader, flips

The Zen Leader Blog

How do most leaders get stuck in Maslow's Hierarchy?

Video: Workshop Experience

A Business Case for The Zen Leader

What does spirituality have to do with Leadership Development?

3 Common Myths about Zen and Why Zen Helps Leaders

Video: Why Spend the Energy to Become a Zen Leader?

Are you really "listening"? Some thoughts from The Zen Leader.

Video: What makes the Zen Leader special?

Video: Why write The Zen Leader?

My Love Affair with The Zen Leader

Welcome to the Zen Leader Blog

A blog that transforms:

Also visit the FEBI Learning Lounge: The official FEBI blog

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic