https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-the-15-commitments-of-conscious-leadership/
In this book, the authors Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman & Kaley Warner Klemp explain the difference between conscious leadership (leading “above the line”) and unconscious leadership (leading “below the line”). They present a road map you can use to identify where you stand, and to shift above the line to achieve long-term, sustainable success.
Consciousness is not a state of development but a state of mind which you can switch in/out of. At any point in time, you’re either living/leading consciously (above the line) or unconsciously (below the line).
When you’re above the line, you’re aware of your inner/outer worlds, the thoughts, feelings and desires in yourself/others, and are open to possibilities. You recognize your role in creating your circumstances, and ask questions like “What can I learn from this?” or “How am I creating or perpetuating this situation?” This allows you to find creative and sustainable solutions.
When you’re below the line, you’re in a survival mode, narrowly focusing on perceived threats and stifling your creativity. You blame external forces and ask questions like “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why can’t they get it?” Your results/successes are not sustainable in the long run.
It’s normal to fall below the line, since humans naturally become defensive when we perceive a physical or psychological threat. The key is to recognize when you’re below the line, and make a conscious decision to shift back above the line. The 15 commitments below help you to do just that.
Context vs content. The context of your words/actions (where you’re coming from) matters more than the content (what you’re talking about). You can talk about your child’s studies or your company’s results from above the line (by being open and curious) or below the line (by being self-righteous and judgmental). Often, issues can be resolved naturally just by shifting the context of your conversations.
The authors present 4 states of consciousness built on Michael Bernard Beckwith’s concepts: “To Me”, “By Me”, “Through Me”, and “As Me”. The 15 commitments below focus on the shift from “to me” to “by me”, since this is the easiest and most productive shift.
Here’s a visual summary of conscious leadership (leading above the line) vs unconscious leadership (leading below the line):
Use these 15 commitments (sets of behaviors/mindsets) to know where you stand at any point in time, and to stay above the line to achieve long-term, sustainable success. We’ll now share the sample details for Commitment #1, and briefly outline the remaining commitments. Do get our complete 21-page book summary bundle for similar details, examples and tips for all 15 commitments.
