Leading from within – 12 reflection statements for leaders
Operating from a place of calm and centredness allows us to better focus our attention and time. Leaders who feel a ‘power within’ are adept at according more respect and dignity to others, and spotting virtues more easily than defects.
This agreeableness and optimism can have profound effects on context and outcomes.
The following resource is a reflection exercise around 12 core statements to help you lay the foundations for inner balance and calm. For each statement, provide a rating from 1 (low) to 10 (high).
12 statements: a reflection for leaders
The following statements are based on the 12 principles of transformative intelligence or SQ*. Please take a few moments to think about each one, starting with a rating from 1 (low) to 10 (high).
- I know what motivates me (self awareness)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
2. I live and respond in the moment (spontaneity)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
3. I live and act according to what I believe in (value-led)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
4. I see how things are all connected, and I have a sense of belonging (holism)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
5. I bring empathy to my work and life (compassion)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
6. I value and invite difference (celebrate diversity)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
7. I can stand out from the crowd (field independence)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
8. I have a sense of my place in the larger world (humility)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
9. I question and ask why (getting to the bottom of things)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
10. I stand back from situations or problems to appreciate the wider context (reframe)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
11. I approach setbacks and ‘mistakes’ as learning and growth opportunities (positive use of adversity)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
12. I feel called upon to serve, to give something back (sense of vocation)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Low | High |
Which areas stand out for you? What are we missing most in our workplaces?
With these insights, what will you do next?
*12 principles taken from Zohar, D., SQ: Connecting with Our Spiritual Intelligence, London: Bloomsbury (paperback 2000)
