Follow the Leader?

I recently participated in a workshop on Spiritual Leadership with my mentor Jennie Marlow in which we explored how our emotional and energetic systems function in terms of our personal and professional relationships and how employing those systems will lead us either to fulfillment or dissatisfaction. It seems clear to me that many of us are hungry for inspiration and practical tools for self-empowerment and coping with loss and the challenges of our times. I would like to share a quote from my teacher Spotted Eagle which, for me, addresses the fundamental quality of what spiritual leadership is all about:

"A spiritual leader is a person who assists others in finding fulfillment by demonstrating a way forward." ~ Spotted Eagle

Once again, simple, but not easy. Where do we even begin our inquiry on leadership at this level? It can feel overwhelming to bring our attention to the enormity of the challenges which lie ahead for humanity. We may want to contemplate these things, but all too often what may start out as a sincere desire to serve can devolve into moral outrage and soon we are chasing our own tails, unable to move forward.

Let's take a look at how social movements get going in the first place. Derek Sivers is best known as the founder of CD Baby, the largest seller of independent music on the web and he has some interesting insights to offer on the process of leadership. He points out that leaders are those among us who are willing to risk being different in public (key point!) and that they nurture their early followers as equals. As more followers come along, they tend to emulate the earlier followers which provides greater visibility and emotional security for all involved. As more join in, the risk of being different is reduced and a movement has been launched. Therefore, it's the first followers that actually create a movement. Whether any given movement grows into a sustainable form is up to its utility, and, to a great extent, the timing of things. But, whatever it is it has to start with someone, somewhere, at some point. Perhaps with you, here, and now?

Here's an interesting video by Derek Sivers on How to Start a Movement. May I just say now, that humor helps enormously. Enjoy:

How To Start a Movement