Embrace your Artificial Self Contributed by: Georgia Ellis “I want to discover my Leadership style” said one participant at the kick off masterclass of the 22 week emerging leader program - The Future Ready Leaders Toolkit. What she said was in response to my question “What are your intentions for the program and why are you here?” The other participants began to nod in agreement. They too wanted to find their "true selves". Sure this sounds like a great goal… (and one that I hear a lot in the work I do) "Find out who I am as a leader" (or as a human)… "Uncover my authentic style"…. But... is it really a worthy goal? In the pursuit of leadership or personal excellence, we often encounter the notion of authenticity as a guiding principle. We're urged to be true to ourselves, to lead and live with integrity, and to remain genuine in our interactions. However, a deeper exploration into the philosophy of human nature challenges this rather simplistic view. In Michael Puett and Christine Gross-Loh's book, "The Path", they delve into the writings of various Chinese philosophers including Xunzi, who distinguishes between human nature and artifice. Xunzi asserts that human nature, while innate, is not inherently virtuous. Instead, it's the product of conditioning and societal influences. He argues that true human nature is revealed when our innate inclinations are refined and shaped through conscious effort – what he terms as "artifice." Xunzi's perspective resonates with the timeless wisdom of James Allen's "As a Man Thinketh." Allen emphasizes the power of thought in shaping one's character and destiny. He suggests that the noble and god-like character we aspire to isn't a product of chance but the result of deliberate cultivation through right thinking and sustained effort. At first glance, these philosophies may seem contradictory to the modern notion of authenticity in leadership and finding our true self. After all, aren't we encouraged to be genuine and true to ourselves? However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes apparent that authenticity, as commonly understood, is a myth. The idea that we can simply be ourselves without any external influence or intentional effort overlooks the complexity of human nature. Xunzi ‘s and James Allen’s ideas shaped my response to the participants who wanted to ‘discover’ their leadership style… I challenged them to think a little differently, instead of discovering who they had become because of external forces, I invited the to ‘create’ who they wanted to be as a leader, empowering them to let go of any limiting beliefs or ideas that may have been handed to them from society, and to self author their leadership journey. As leaders (and humans), we're constantly navigating various roles, responsibilities, and expectations. We interact with diverse stakeholders, adapt to changing circumstances, and strive to inspire and motivate others. In this dynamic environment, being true to a static, unchanging self is neither practical nor desirable. Instead, we must embrace the concept of artifice – the conscious effort to cultivate our character, refine our skills, adapt and shape our leadership style. This doesn't mean being inauthentic or pretending to be someone we're not. Rather, it's about recognising that our authentic self is not fixed but fluid, shaped by our choices, experiences, and deliberate actions. Just as an artist crafts a masterpiece through skillful manipulation of materials, we must also create ourselves through intentional practice and refinement. The process of self-creation requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge our assumptions and beliefs and become aware of our biases. In essence, authenticity isn't found in staying true to some unchanging essence of self, but rather in the sincerity and integrity with which we engage in the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. It's about aligning our actions with our values, inspiring trust through consistent behaviour, and fostering genuine connections with others. So, as you bust the authenticity myth, you liberate yourself from the constraints of the what was and embrace the transformative power of artifice with “what if” and “who could I be”. I invite you to cultivate the best version of yourself through self reflection, choosing who you want to be, conscious and persistent effort, continuous learning, and a commitment to being the best version of you so, you not only fulfill your potential but also inspire others to do the same. Opportunities for to Self Discovery and Continuous Learning
Contributed by: Georgia Ellis My Personal Journey of Self-Empowerment In my current and previous roles as a leader, coach, and facilitator, I've discovered that confidence isn't just a trait; it's a mindset that can be cultivated and honed over time. Recently I facilitated management/leadership training for a group of predominantly male, blue-collar managers, the group was a mix of office-based managers and workshop managers who managed skilled fabricators. Most in the room had never had any form of management or leadership training before and I was a little apprehensive around the reception I’d receive. We got off to a flying start, a little bit of humour and storytelling goes a long way to making those not used to being boxed up in a small conference room for a full day feel at ease. We finally made it to the morning tea break when a male participant mentioned that he was really good at reading people, so I challenged him by asking “What’s your read on me?” his reply “ I can tell you have a lot of self-confidence, the way you handled a room of what I would consider a difficult audience and had everyone contributing withing the first 30 minutes shows both that you are passionate about what you do and you know your stuff”. It was a lovely compliment, and put me further at ease for the rest of the day… but it also got me thinking… I wasn’t always this way… I hadn't always exuded confidence... what had I done that allowed me to display an air of confidence that was clearly noticeable by other people? Upon reflection I realised that my journey towards greater confidence began with a simple yet powerful approach that accelerated my progress: flooding my subconscious with a vision of the person I aspired to be. Through mental and physical rehearsal, I ingrained confidence into my very being until it became second nature. Drawing on my intrigue into human potential and the knowledge I had gained over 20+ years deep diving how to harness our mind, in particular the subconscious aspect of our mind that drives up to 95% of our results. I had gathered and tested various approaches that allowed me to retrain my subconscious mind. My journey lead me to the discoveries in neuroscience, psychology and even some ancient wisdom, all telling the story of the part of us that we have come to know as our 'default network' and how we can use the 5% of our mind to consciously make changes to our outdated programming, beliefs and ideas. I then took what I had learned and applied it to my own life, I created a new identity - one that oozed confidence. This is what I did, and if you feel you could do with a bit of a confidence top up, I invite you to experiment with the ideas in your own life. Tip 1: Immerse Yourself in Your Vision: I flooded my mind with images of myself as a confident, assertive woman. Visualising success in various scenarios helped reshape my subconscious beliefs about my abilities. Tip 2: Prepare and Rehearse: Confidence grows when we confront our fears head-on. By gathering information, planning my approach, and mentally rehearsing before challenging situations, I pre-emptively tackled doubts and uncertainties. Tip 3: Practice, Practice, Practice: Whether it's mastering a new skill or navigating difficult conversations, consistent practice breeds confidence. (I rehearsed everything even my new identity) I embraced every opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, knowing that each experience contributed to my growth as a leader. How did I know it worked?
Applying these principles proved that confidence isn't an innate trait reserved for a select few; it's a mindset that can be cultivated through deliberate effort and perseverance. Yes we can change our identity and confidently step out of the self-imposed boxes we find ourselves in. If I can do it, you can too... but it takes effort! Change is not passive! So, I invite you to embrace the power of visualisation, preparation, and practice to unlock your full potential, to step out with greater confidence and be a positive role model in our ever-changing world. Remember: Confidence isn't just a destination—it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment and changing who you are starts by changing how you think – the thinking parts the easy bit! Contributed by Layla Wyatt Future Market Insights asserts that the Australian leadership development program market has a projected CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2033. Notably, technology-driven learning methods are increasingly adopted within leadership development programs. "Leadership is not merely giving orders; it's about inspiring, guiding, and adapting to the future. Embrace technology-driven learning to cultivate extraordinary leaders," says business expert Olivia Jones of Askfunding.– Australia's top loan and financial provider. Leadership isn't just about giving orders and making decisions; it's about inspiring, motivating, and guiding the team toward success. Dive into how coaching and professional development programs can turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones. 1. Developing Soft Skills with a Smile Coaching programs often focus on soft skills like empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence. It's like the chocolate chips in the leadership cookie—they make the whole experience sweeter! Coaching helps to understand your team's needs and motivations, fostering a positive work environment. It builds trust among members and a sense of belongingness 2. Boosting Self-Awareness Coaching programs often include self-assessment tools and exercises to help you better understand your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. It's like having a mirror that reflects your leadership persona to you. It leads to confidence, more informed decisions, a tailored leadership style, and realistic goals. It's like upgrading your leadership armor to withstand any challenge! 3. A Playbook For Success Professional development programs help leaders develop a deeper understanding of their roles through workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions. It's like attending an action-packed boot camp where you hone your leadership skills, and instead of push-ups, you do problem-solving exercises. Life Reloaded, Superior Thinkers Toolbox, and Future Ready Leaders Toolkit are programs that can upgrade your leadership skills. Whether mastering new technology, understanding market dynamics, or refining your project management skills, these programs turn you into a leader who's always ahead of the game. 4. Highlights The Value Of Feedback Coaching empowers leaders by offering a safe space for self-reflection, feedback, and goal setting. It's a two-way street where a team can grow together. Through open dialogue and constructive criticism, coaches help leaders identify strengths and weaknesses and enhance their skills. They also hold you responsible for your commitments and track your progress. 5. Playful Experimentation And Innovation Professional development programs often encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. It's like having a laboratory where you can conduct playful experiments in your leadership approach. By exploring fresh ideas and taking calculated risks, you'll discover innovative solutions to old problems. It's like inventing your leadership magic! 6. Building A Support Network Coaching and professional development programs introduce you to a network of like-minded individuals. It's like joining an exclusive club where you can exchange ideas, experiences, and support, helping you tackle challenges with newfound confidence. Refine Your Leadership Style With Blue Chip Minds Coaching and professional development programs are the unsung heroes in the world of leadership.
A powerful ripple effect arises as leaders become empowered through coaching and professional development programs. Like a stone thrown into a pond, the impact goes far beyond the initial point of contact. Blue Chip Minds is an organisation dedicated to cultivating the talents of young minds and helping them thrive in the world of technology, science, and entrepreneurship. We help individuals develop essential skills and knowledge to become future leaders! Contact us to learn about Australia’s top global professional development solutions provider. |
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