Being Well and Leading Well

Research in leadership, neuro-biology, organisational and leadership development this paper suggests that the socioeconomic, geopolitical and cultural-spiritual challenges of our time are interconnected. To address them we need a fundamental change of perspective. “Not only do we have to change things, but we have to change the way we see things” (Brabandere 2005, p. xi). We need to let go of the mindset of maximum “me” - maximum material consumption, and start looking at the world as deeply interconnected (Scharmer, O. and Kaufer, K.2013.). Leaders have a key role to play in recognising individual and collective responsibilities and showing the way towards a more human and healthier way of life. Learning to see beyond the familiar requires a particular kind of deep personal and collective listening. To recognise our patterns we need to slow down, suspend judgment, listen with our whole being, be comfortable with the silence and wait patiently for the feelings and thoughts to emerge. The challenge is to achieve this in a fast paced world. The benefits of connecting mind, heart and the felt sense are noted in the wellbeing and leadership development literature (Levine, P. 2008, Palmer, W. and Crawford, J. 2013.). Integrating such practices into the organisational culture can increase the level of wellbeing, the levels of trust, honesty and openness of communication. Some techniques from the Leadership Embodiment practice are explained. These techniques utilise the somatic intelligence of the body and when practiced regularly reduce stress, enable more skilful presence and assist wellbeing and good leading in organisations