Re-imagining Leadership

Re-imagining requires us to have conversations in which we can enter a space of not knowing in a creative and open way. One path that we might follow is to explore re-imagination by looking at situations through different lenses; this can help us to question and explore our perception of reality and find new possibilities; so what if we looked at situations using these five lenses?

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the World.
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
Rumi

Where aesthetic meets functional

Lenses The 5 C's

These lenses form the basis of C5 leadership. They are not the only ones that we may use to re-imagine. That can't be true;  re-imagination is, by its very nature, evolutionary. My own experience however is that they are always present and useful when I work with leaders and groups. They each provide a different  perspective on situations whether we are looking at it from an individual, group, organisational or systemic level.

Click a lens to find out more.

about Consciousness

Maybe you are searching among the branches,
For what only appears in the roots
Rumi

Consciousness creates awareness of what we are experiencing in the moment; it is being present and aware of how we are feeling, our focus. It creates an understanding of the questions that make up our internal dialogue and the choices we are making as a result; those that are empowering and those that are dis-empowering.   

about Connection

Connection gives purpose and meaning to our lives
Brene Brown

Connection enables us to find a sense of meaning in our lives; where our values are aligned with the contribution and the service we are providing to society. Connecting with ourselves creates the  possibility of connecting with others. Our leadership does not exist in isolation but when connected to the needs of others locally and globally, it can and does enable people and communities thrive. 

about Curiosity

Two roads diverged in the woods
And I, I took the one less travelled by
And that has made all the difference
Robert Frost, The Road Less Travelled

Curiosity is where we challenge what is, by asking "what if." Curiosity is the catalyst for re-imagining leadership; the foundation of our innovation and creativity. "Creating an updated the story for the World" will require a leadership consciousness, that questions from a place of curiosity not judgement; one that can be present with uncertainty and tension while a solution is emerging; one that embraces and explores new options to find a just and equitable solutions. 

about Collaboration

Always go too far, because that is where you will find the truth
Albert Camus

Collaboration is where we co-create. When we collaborate effectively it produces innovative and beautiful options, that embrace cognitive diversity and brings different ideas and perspectives together to, as Matthew Syed has said, "recombine ideas". Collaboration happens when we are present for each other in psychologically safe spaces, where we can ask and explore the question "what's the conversation that needs to happen here?" When we explore this question with authenticity, curiosity, and most importantly without fear, we thrive and grow.

about Compassion

"When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience."
~ Dalai Lama

Compassion supports and enables. The Dalai Lama has said, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." Compassion enables us to find the resources within ourselves to collaborate with others to create just change; it helps us to navigate through our own bias and the complexities of division and judgement.