Leaders Must Find Their Balance

Some say that leaders are born. Certainly some people are innately gifted with many of the qualities needed by good leaders.

But I think that the attributes of leadership are within reach of all, especially those who are working to make a difference in our world.

One such characteristic is the ability to balance the complex energies that flow within the group and amongst the many individualities within it. And then to achieve a secondary balance between those group energies and their own.

There is within every group environment a flow of energy that tends to shape the experience of all who participate. One such example we've all witnessed is the dominant ego that tries to impress its view -- and often its will -- upon the group.

Within the group energy, however, there is rarely one ego involved, but many. And their energies and intentions can cause the group dynamic to wildly fluctuate, even to veer off course into uncharted and undesired directions.

When these strong-willed energies are released within the group, conflict can often result. Moreover, those of less assertive personality can tend to shrink into the background, or be dragged into actions they wouldn't otherwise want to take.

It is the job of the mission leader to sense these energies and channel them toward the group purpose, and guide the group over the hurdles they encounter along the way. Sometimes that means drawing out those who sit on the sidelines. At others it can mean redirecting the focus or even restricting the ability of particularly dominant members to control the floor.

Few are born with such skills. Rather, these are learned on the job through trial and error. There is no right or wrong so long as the work moves forward, though there can be considerable harm to individual members' psyches or willingness to participate if the wrong thing is said or done at the wrong time. Even then, the mission goes on. Or at least, it hopefully will.

Most of all, the mission leader must realize that the group activity is not about them. It is not to prop up their ego or to bring accolades for its achievement or to be used as a stepping stone for increased self-image or personal gain of any kind, nor to allow individual members do so.

But even with that said, the group leader cannot be egoless. His or her ego must be strong enough to withstand attack from those seeking to dominate the group energy, to pick up the troops when they're down, and provide timely reminders of their commitment to their common vision.

Mission leaders must know themselves and remain ever-sensitive to all that goes on within the mission, including not only those who participate in it but also those who interact with it in any way.

In a very real sense, the leader is captain of a ship that sails through ego-infested waters, always working to calm and align them sufficiently to keep moving ever-forward toward the destination. And like anyone who's ever sailed knows, the sails must be kept meticulously trimmed at all times to make best use of wind and sea or risk floundering and going nowhere.

It is this point of balance that every leader must become continuously sensitive to and strive to attain. It shits with every word, thought or emotion. And it is influenced not only by external circumstances, but by the internal processes of all involved -- especially those of the leader.

Leadership in the new age, then, is advanced application in the energies of human relations and all that affect them. It is both art and science, guided by inspiration and trust in the inner knowing that will lead you onward.

It is a self-bestowed gift that you are developing now. Trust that you will.

And should you need help along the way, remember -- you don't have to go it alone. I'm here to help.

Godspeed.