The Natural Cycle of Leadership: Practicing Self Sustainability for Leadership Development

Hope, Alex (2015) The Natural Cycle of Leadership: Practicing Self Sustainability for Leadership Development. In: Leading Wellbeing Research Festival, 16th - 18th July 2015, Brathay Hall, Ambleside UK.

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Abstract

Effective leadership is key to successful sustainable development. As a result there has been increasing acknowledgement of the need for leaders who lead with purpose, values and integrity. This in turn has led to interest into new models of leadership such as ‘authentic leadership’ and ‘mindful leadership’ which seek to help business leaders connect with their inner self to result in more adaptable and compassionate decision making. The development of these models point to the need for leaders to practice ‘self-sustainability’, to develop their own inner resilience before tackling complex societal and business problems. Human interaction with the natural environment is highly complex, and it is known that feelings, emotions and motivation effects complex problem solving. This paper will draw upon deep ecology and practices such as permaculture and the natural step to demonstrate how leaders can develop self-sustainability. In doing so it will develop a model that aligns cycles of leadership with the seasons and cycles of the natural world, acknowledging the influence this has on feelings, mood, emotions and motivation. Finally it will argue that leaders should recognise that there is a time for visioning, a time for action and a time for reflection.

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