Feeling Your Power

The Soul of Leadership, Deepak Chopra

     Have you ever been in a place of power?  It usually feels good.  There is power in empowerment and every leader needs power but it is up to the leader to not misuse their power.  Instead of being motivated by the need to be in charge, to control, or to make every decision which will only aid in your eventual downfall, be the first among equals and use your power to inspire others.  Chopra states, "You are made first by embodying more of what everyone desires."
     A leader needs to be trusted.  People want to trust their leaders explains Chopra.  A trusted leader will be open, describing situations realistically and will provide evidence that practical steps are being taken to meet any challenge, showing that as a leader you can be trusted with power.
     I gave a presentation today to all the managers in my company and other "important" people.  I practiced for hours, going over my speech the night before.  At the time of my presentation, my heart was pounding fast. Why was I giving all these leaders power over me?  Why can't I be someone "important" and a leader also?  I knew that I could be and that I am.  I realized the power that I have and how to use that.  I didn't need to be a bully but a confident presenter with important data to present to them.  After this switch in thinking about my power I gave a great presentation.  Two co-workers afterward presented more information and questions to aid me in my research.  They treated me as an equal which gave me more power to feel like an equal.  As, Chopra says, "...empower others by showing them that they are equal."  All it took was a switch in my beliefs and Chopra's book, of what a real leader is and how to use your power.

What is non-doing? (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)

      Chopra, in The Soul of Leadership, emphasis awareness in your doing.  When you are aware and in the present moment, open to hearing and collecting ideas, then you will enter into a state of non-doing.  This is what great leaders practice.  He says, "Doing is different when you lead from the soul. It turns into non-doing, which is the same as allowing."  Instead of controlling the group you are leading, give the space for allowance of who they are and their ideas.
      This state of non-doing allows for creativity and a good flow.  Chopra compares it to when you try to force yourself to remember a word, it is less likely to appear.  He says, "There's a fine balance between letting the body's intelligence operate on its own and taking control."  This state of non-doing is your friend.  Let go and allow.
      At work, my manager requested us to work together on a presentation.  I tried to control the situation at first by making sure my ideas were put into the presentation.  Then, I realized that I was constricting the flow of creative energy.  I let go of the control and the mood became lighter.  The state of non-doing and allowance was achieved giving way to the final presentation with new creative ideas and a good flow of information

The Power of Unawareness (The Soul of Leadership, Chopra)

     Have you ever been unaware and then someone opens your eyes to something right in front of you?  This is a recurring event in my life and why shouldn't it be?  Life is about learning and becoming more aware.  This is the change that happens in each and everyone of us.
     I was unaware that I could be a good engineer.  I've always thought that engineering should be hard and therefore it has been for me.  Until recently, I became aware of this limiting thought and am now seeing that it's not that hard for me.  I have answers just like all of my co-workers.  It's pretty exciting.  I've been unaware this whole time, holding onto my own limiting thought.
      What are you unaware of?  Are you unaware of how to cook a good meal?  How about picking up a cook book or watching the food network channel?  Have you been unaware of how much your mom loves you until you also became a mom?  The changeover from unawareness to awareness is exciting!  Who in your life, including yourself, will bring awareness into your life that you don't even know you are unaware about?  What limitless possibilities are out there just for you?
     As Deepak Chopra puts it in The Soul of Leadership, "Awareness is a synonym for consciousness.  There is no limit to what you can change, because consciousness brings light to every aspect of life."  Your awareness leads to whatever future you desire.