We are all leaders in different environments, even if we are simply leading ourselves. One of our daily tasks is to make decisions and exercise our power of choice. If everyone understood the impact of the choices they made, it would surely make everyone pause, even the most impetous. My latest article is all about the power of choices and the need to make right-minded choices, in a world which is sorely crying out “there must be a better way”.

The world is crying out for change. As the economy continues to look far from healthy, environmental issues become increasingly urgent and superficial behaviours by leading figures are being exposed, it emerges there is a new desire for something better, something more aligned to who we believe we are. Ethics and values are once again becoming fashionable words and greater consciousness about how we relate to each other is emerging. We desperately need a new world order.

The problem is of course, the old world order wants to cling on to the way things have always been. Sometimes the resistance to change is because of fear of the unknown, and sometimes it is to preserve an outdated identity.

The way we work and interact with each other will have to change, if we are to move forward in a less destructive, careless way. No longer can the old values of self-interest, personal competitiveness and results at all cost be sustainable. Values, collaboration, responsibility and a recognition that we are all in this together must prevail.

We are all leaders for someone. It might be our organisation, our family, our children, our partner, our pupils, our siblings, or even our elders. We are all in relationship with each other and like it or not, who we are impacts someone else. Who we are impacts our society, our environment and our world.

Depending on how much you accept responsibility will determine whether you take up the challenge, or leave it for others to do so. Leaving it for others to do so is the old world order. Leaving it for others to do so is abdicating responsibility and giving away your individual power. And we all do that at times. Even the most enlightened people do, it is part of our human psyche.

Our choices stem from two paradigms. One is the mind of the ego. When we are making choices from an ego paradigm the characteristics of our choices are cloaked in fear, scarcity, specialness, entitlement and a victim mentality for example. The other is the mind of our higher self. When we are making choices with this paradigm, they are characteristically, loving, win/win, from a position of strength, equality, happy and joy based. We all use these two minds sometimes, although we are often not aware of it

The higher mind is in fact our right or true mind. When making choices from our right mind it always results in peace, love and happiness. It recognises that we are all connected and that our true nature is loving and inclusive.

If we are not using our right mind, it is usually because we are afraid, don’t like ourselves very much or feeling guilty about something, even though we may not be consciously aware of it In many cultures, especially in a work environment, leading and making choices from our right mind can seem fluffy and unrealistic, but actually it is tough and shows strength of real character. It is indeed the road less travelled.

So in the new world, true leadership will come from those who are able to access the right mind. This can be a tall order for some people, but a necessary step. Some of the attributes of someone who uses right minded thinking more consistently than others are:

• Self-Awareness – An understanding of the choices and impact of choosing between the ego and the right mind.
• Resilience – resilience against the ego thought system and the pressure to conform to negative beliefs
• Ability to tap into the right mind – being able to pause before reacting and choosing ones thoughts. Living in a different paradigm.
• Humility – A recognition that we are all in it together and an appreciation that their choices matter and therefore they choose carefully and with humility
• Vision – A vision borne out of collective interest and not self interestResponsibility – a no blame culture in every situation. The victim and persecutor dynamics are dissolved.
• Generosity – kindness, inclusivity – not excluding anyone, sharing, realising everyone is equally valuable, and can equally make mistakes.
• Wisdom – understanding when to let go and when to pursueNon – Judgemental – realising everyone is either acting from their right mind, which is love or ego mind which is lack of love.

And finally they will be courageous. The ego decision maker in our make-up and culture is the norm. The true leader has to have the courage to put their head above the parapet and challenge the norm, whilst respecting everyone’s right to choose. No mean task.

In order to make right minded choices, you need to be emotionally intelligent.  If you are interested in finding out more about  emotional intelligence, then why not download my free E-book. –The 6 Secrets to Great Emotional Intelligence – For Inspirational Leaders and Managers. Alternatively visit my website www.peoplediscovery.co.uk to find out more aboutLeadership Development.