Reading this week’s VIM Executive Coaching post, we know someone of good intention will surely point out that we have it wrong; the adage should correctly state that it’s “lonely at the top.” There’s plenty of company at the bottom.
In some ways, we suppose that it true.
In times of strife and change, the chief executive is the person who is the first to take the heat. Whether she is right or wrong, whether unbeknownst to him, his subordinate carried out fraud or a vendor sold the company a substandard part, or her CFO committed an unintended SEC violation, it all falls upon the leader’s shoulders.
But sometimes, in times of madness and turmoil, the bottom is an essential place to be; a very good place to be. By “bottom,” we are not referring to a scenario where the CEO quits her lofty hi-tech position to become an entry-level programmer in her own company, or when the president of a major agri-business conglomerate decides to don overalls and load silos with corn, but something even more basic.
The Hidden Realm
Where does the executive go to gain clarity and to re-focus purpose? Perhaps in the olden days of the Hollywood portrayals of business, you might have found him stereotypically drinking a stiff shot of scotch with some good old boys, or found her on a shopping spree in the haberdashery section of Bendel’s. As we all know neither strategy works out all that well.
In more modern-day terms, we have known executive leaders who carved out hours before or after work to go on lengthy runs to “lose their troubles,” or cycle for hours on stationary bikes or expose themselves to hot yoga until dripping from exhaustion. While we would the last to discourage physical fitness, exercise in and of itself, still returns us to the starting point of our problems. We cannot run or cycle our way out of trouble not can we sweat out our problems if the mind itself is scattered and lacks clarity the moment we stop.
There is the story of a Karate Master and Tai Chi Chuan instructor who, at 80, was known for the efficiency of his style and his relaxed demeanor. He often faced, and defeated, students who were one-third of his age. How could he be so focused and relaxed? He pointed to a spot a bit below his navel. It was his center, and he “hid” there. It was his base. Everything came from his base. More so, it was his breath. He was mindful of his breathing and his being.
“I am physically weaker and slower than even my beginning students, but I breathe better and I know where my center is. It is my base.”
Therein lies the key to the “leader’s riddle.”
The best leaders are rarely those who drive the most luxurious vehicles, or who have expensive wardrobes or are even possessive of MBA’s from the most prestigious universities. The best are leaders who know who they are, understand their center and are ever mindful of their base. It all starts at the bottom, not the frills and excesses often seen by those at the top. The best executives are often those who buy suits off-the-rack, drive sensible cars and are authentic with everyone.
At VIM Executive Coaching, we believe that the base, the bottom-line for any executive, must be mindfulness. Mindful executives can “hang-out” for a few minutes a day with their breath, where there is intention and focus on the center. They can respond from that center and make better decisions. They can lead from that center and be consistent and efficient in their movement as those who must lead.
There is nothing easy about being an executive leader. But confusing mindfulness with appearance or posturing is guaranteed to bring disappointment and failure. Posing, whether in yoga, leadership or in life, is not being. Start instead, at the bottom.