Explore the concept of leading above or below the line and the importance of curiosity in conscious leadership. Understand the concept of operating above or below the line and how our brains react to threats. Discuss the significance of self-awareness in leadership and the concept of context versus content. Learn about identifying and addressing the fears that shape our leadership narratives.
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Quick takeaways
Self-awareness is crucial for determining whether one is operating above or below the line in leadership.
Understanding the context in which one is leading and the stories they create around events is essential for conscious leadership.
Deep dives
Operating above and below the line
A modality of leadership known as operating above or below the line is discussed. Leading above the line involves being open, curious, and committed to learning, while leading below the line is characterized by defensiveness, reactivity, and the primary commitment to being right. The episode emphasizes that self-awareness is crucial for accurately determining whether one is operating above or below the line at any given moment. The evolutionary background of operating below the line is explored, highlighting how our brain's response to threats can lead us to protect our ego and prioritize being right over conscious leadership.
The importance of context and self-awareness
The significance of context in leadership is emphasized, with content referring to the facts of a situation and context representing the lens through which those facts are interpreted. Understanding the story or context we create around events is key to identifying whether we are operating above or below the line. The episode urges leaders to cultivate self-awareness and locate their current position consciously. The ability to accurately assess the context in which they are leading is seen as a mark of a conscious leader.
Homework for self-awareness
To deepen self-awareness in leadership, the episode provides homework: answering the question, 'What are the stories that I have of myself that feel dangerous or threatening to my identity or ego?' By listing these stories, leaders can better understand the fears and beliefs that shape their context and influence their response to situations. The podcast host shares his own example stories to provide direction. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to share their lists with the host for further discussion.
Episode 50: Are you a “below the line” or “above the line” leader? Don’t know the difference? Alex Lieberman (@businessbarista) shares examples of how to become a more self-aware leader, making sure your approach to problem-solving or disagreements is honest and open-minded. As leaders, it’s natural to have egos, but it often takes higher leadership abilities to set aside your ego for the greater good.