Originally published in the April 2003 Issue of Link & Learn.

In today's scaled-down, "lean and mean," flat work environment, we are all called to play a leadership role, regardless of our formal position or title. Some people, when asked to take on extra responsibilities and challenges, enthusiastically rise to the occasion. But others shrink and become fearful thinking that they "don't have what it takes." Many people believe that leaders are born and not made, almost to suggest that leadership is a birthright only meant for some. If, on the other hand, leadership is a learned behavior, can it be taught?

Much has been written lately on the subject. We read perspectives by (or about) politicians, military leaders, corporate executives, and past historical figures who achieved a certain level of success in their respective positions. I find most of the material interesting but not especially helpful if I'm looking to change my own leadership behavior or style. The advice is often generic and repetitious; "have a vision," "walk the talk," "manage by wandering around," etc. Then there's the age-old question, "do 'the times' make the leader, or the leader make the times?" For instance, if Winston Churchill were born fifty years earlier (or later), would he have still emerged as a great leader?

There are many variables, factors and extenuating circumstances to leadership that cannot be captured in catchy phrases, simple recipes, or formulae. The key to developing individual leadership is to focus on our inherent leadership capability -- requiring an internal focus. This is much more effective than imitating someone else's style or copying their technique. In other words, we have to find our own path. No one is born already possessing specific leadership skills. But all of us are endowed with a spiritually driven leadership quality I refer to as "Centering Power."

Leadership is about taking action. Our centering power serves as an anchor as well as a guiding light to ensure that we take the right action at the right time and for the right reason - a goal not limited to those in positions of power and authority. Centering power is fueled by our beliefs about (and trust in) ourselves, others, and/or a higher spiritual power. The word "belief" derives from the Old English word, "geleafa," meaning: conviction that certain things are true. We demonstrate it when we show a sureness or certainty that there is a power to draw upon to enhance our capabilities. We also demonstrate it when we commit to live by a higher cause or purpose, and trust in an idea, or a system of principles. Let's take a brief look at all three components.

Belief in Self

A good starting place for any leader is to believe in "self." Success in business, or life for that matter, is dependent upon having a conviction that we possess a power deep inside to draw upon - a power that comes from the recognition that the human species, unlike any other species in the world, has the distinct capability to think, reason, and feel complex emotions. The enemy of belief in self is doubt. When the winds of doubt blow in, our thinking becomes scattered. We become confused and disoriented. We question our inherent worth as human beings. We are unable to make clear decisions and take decisive action. Self-doubt creeps in when we lose sight of our individual identity and uniqueness. It attacks when we are most vulnerable, perhaps after suffering a series of personal and professional setbacks. It loves failure, and tricks the mind into thinking that therefore the person is a failure.

I have seen this happen in people who have lost their jobs, missed out on promotions, or simply missed accomplishing certain goals and objectives. Self-doubt leads to feelings of discouragement, despair, and self-pity, all of which negatively impacts our effectiveness as a leader.

Belief in Others

In the workplace we are often dependent upon others to reach our goals. With scarce resources, we can't possibly accomplish our objectives without teamwork and collaboration. But what happens if we don't believe in or trust our co-workers? What happens if we don't trust those around us? If we doubt ourselves, chances are that we will doubt and mistrust others. Mistrust is perhaps the greatest impediment to reaching interdependent goals. Some common symptoms of mistrust include:
- hoarding information
- working secretively
- not sharing ideas
- failure to delegate

On the other hand, believing, and trusting in others frees us. It enables us to take on new and exciting projects that challenge and motivate us. It liberates those on the receiving end as well.

Belief in a Higher Spiritual Power

Studies show that over 75% of Americans believe in a higher spiritual power. But studies also show that most Americans are clearly uncomfortable with the idea of mixing spirituality with business. This view is based on the idea that "church and state" should remain separate, and that spirituality and religion are personal and have no business being brought into business.

Most people, however, are okay with the idea as long as religion is "de-coupled" from spirituality. Religion is a private matter and should be kept as such. Spirituality is different because it has universal meaning, crossing all religious and ethnic boundaries. Spirituality is derived from the Latin word "spiritus," meaning breath. According to Webster's dictionary, it is a "life-giving force," or animating principle. Few would argue that it's not important for an individual, groups, teams, or a corporation for that matter to have "spirit." The idea of exuding "spirit" in the workplace is accepted, if not welcomed by most people.

In recent years, there has been a tremendous wave of interest in spirituality in business. For instance, in the Fall 1999 issue of BusinessWeek, the cover story read, "The Growing Presence of Spirituality in Corporate America - Religion in the Workplace." Also, MIT's Sloan Management Review featured a comprehensive study of spirituality in the workplace. And just last year, I was invited to speak at Harvard Business School's, "Dean's Conference on Leadership, Values, and Spirituality." Hundreds of students, business leaders, and members of the community were in attendance. These examples all speak to the rising popularity of what seems to be a spirituality wave in business. Overall, they indicate that people view themselves as complete human beings in the workplace; you can't "check" spirituality at the door.

There are people who have a split personality when it comes to living out their beliefs and values. In their personal lives, they behave very consistently with their beliefs and values. However, in their professional lives, they seem to operate under a different set of rules. Ideally, there should be no difference.

If you value "honesty," and demonstrate behavior consistent with that value to you children, should it be any less important when dealing with your employees, customers, co-workers, etc.?

We are all called to be leaders - in and outside of the workplace. The next time you're looking for insights on leadership, why not start at the source - your very own centering power? It comes from a place deep within. Tapping into this magnificent power enables us to meet the personal leadership challenges that lie ahead with a steady, unwavering conviction and sense of purpose.

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