The Soul of leadership

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The Soul of leadership

• The Being and Doing
• of Leadership
• From Ones Soul

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• Leaders are the symbolic soul of the groups
  they lead and great leaders respond from the
  higher levels of spirit.
• Deepak Chopra, The Soul of Leadership

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Being one who leads from the soul means

• understanding leadership to be a spiritual
  endeavor.
• understanding leadership to be a calling.
• possessing a keen sense of self-awareness know
  thyself.
• being aware of ones shadow self.
• being open to surprises.

4
The work of one who leads from the soul involves

• acting in a manner that is authentic and
  congruent with the self.
• functioning more as a visionary than manager.
• acting with the courage of ones convictions.
• engaging others collaboratively rather than
  hierarchically.
• encouraging creativity.

5
The work of one who leads from the soul involves

• valuing relationships as much as tasks and
  outcomes.
• allowing time for reflection.
• focusing on the personal development of others.
• building upon peoples strengths rather than
  correcting their mistakes.
• working for a lasting commitment rather than a
  momentary compliance.

6
The work of one who leads from the soul involves

• highlighting the interconnectedness of life.
• creating a community built upon trust,
  forgiveness, respect, creativity, mutuality,
  gratitude, and celebration.
• caring for the soul of others.
• caring for ones own soul.

7

• As I talked with leaders across the country, I
  found a longing for meaning and comfort. These
  jobs of ours as educational leaders are difficult
  and draining. They sap our physical and moral
  energy. We have to find ways of replenishing the
  supply. The demands of leadership leave us with
  two choices change our careers or connect to
  the power we share with others and the divine.
• Robert W. Cole and
  Paul D. Houston

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Resources

• Care for the Soul, Thomas Moore
• OIC Soul-Leadership, the OIC Group
• Practicing Soul Leadership, Janet Hagberg
• Spirituality in Educational Leadership, edited by
  Paul D. Houston, Alan M. Blankstein, Robert W.
  Cole
• Spirituality in Management Education A Guide to
  Resources, Judith Neal