How To Lead Effectively Into An Ever-Changing Future
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The ability to shift from reacting against the past to leaning into and presencing an emerging future is probably the single most important leadership capacity today. — Otto Scharmer
Here at Henley Leadership Group, we have been studying and inspired by the work of Otto Scharmer for the past fifteen years or so. Otto is a brilliant mind among us. He has pioneered what he calls "Presencing: Leading From the Future as it Emerges,” which feels particularly useful as we look ahead. This means trying to see the world through fresh eyes while letting go of old habits and preconceptions that no longer serve us and embracing new perspectives. It's about being open to new information and ideas, which is crucial for innovation and adaptation as we move forward. All of this requires an open mind, open heart, and open will. However, allowing something to emerge from nothing is typically met with resistance. Our resistance can be heard through three "voices:" the voice of judgment, the voice of cynicism, and the voice of fear.
The Voice of Judgment vs. Open Mind
The voice of judgment represents our habitual beliefs and thoughts. When we suspend this voice, our mind opens up to new ways of thinking. Learning to stay with ambiguity without having to "know" creates space for a new thought. We must resist reacting or taking immediate action. When the mind is open, we "see" without judgment. We let things emerge as they will.
The Voice of Cynicism vs. Open Heart
The voice of cynicism is about emotional disconnection that results in resignation, arrogance, forceful behavior, and calloused or hardened views of life. We are cut off from our hearts. We keep our hearts open by staying connected to our purpose, our values, and our vision. In essence, we stay connected to what matters most.
The Voice of Fear vs. Open Will
To get your will open, you must suspend the "Voice of Fear." Be willing to do what you don't want to. Luke Skywalker didn't want to fight Darth Vader but was willing to do so for something that mattered to him. Here, you ask yourself, what are you willing to do that you don't want to? It helps to have something you care about in mind, something at stake that you will be unstoppable for. Mastering fear means that you move into action despite being afraid.
An Exercise — From Self-Reflection To Transformation:
Think of an area that you would like to see "transformed" at work or on your team. With that in mind, consider the following questions:
What/who have I been judging? Think of a person who annoys you. Ask yourself how you want them to change. What do you want them to do or not do? What should they or shouldn't do, be, think, or feel? Your answers to these questions will point you toward judgments you may be holding on to.
What have I become resigned about? Think of areas where you don't think you can make a change, those areas of your work life that seem intractable. Nothing can be done to move or alter this situation. This may be a signal that your heart is closed.
What is it that I don't want to do? Typically, this is something you are afraid of. Maybe it's a conversation that seems too important to goof up. Or perhaps it's the risky feedback you need to offer. Just by naming it, you are already halfway to an open will.
We must be willing to suspend the three voices of judgment, cynicism, and fear if we want the true transformation to occur in ourselves, our teams, and our organizations. With so much uncertainty as we look ahead, let 2025 be your time to move into presence.
