In my work facilitating management and leadership development courses the question comes up almost once a week; is leadership a skill or a personal trait? I believe it is both. Quality leadership draws upon experiences, expertise and values that when combined with personal self-awareness can emerge into the masterful art of leadership. Some of those skills include interpersonal communication, negotiation and change management. Like other artistic pursuits leadership requires consistent practice. As we move into 2014 I have set intention to embrace my leadership as an art not just a practice.
One hundred years ago in 1913 during the birth of modernism Arnold Schoenberg wrote to his colleague Wassily Kadinsky, “Art belongs to the unconscious.” This quote sunk deep into my core and made me question what aspects of my leadership is laying in the deep recesses of my mind, heart or spirit? More importantly how can I awaken it? Those of you who know me, know that I live in self-improvement mode. Like many New Yorkers I’m looking to do things better, cheaper, faster.
My very dear friend Emi Gittleman, Global Arts to Go recently shared a beautiful Maya Angelou quote. In one of her poems Maya wrote “I did my best until I learned how to do it better.” It caused me to reflect, can I do better at leadership? Even though I’m a lifelong learner, I don’t have a clear answer. What I do know is that I don’t believe in accidents and the unconscious mind is a powerful resource. My reflections led me to set 2014 intentions that include more play, more movement, more outlets for creative expression and opportunities for joyful learning.
Namaste
