What the heck is “holistic leadership”?

What do you think of when you hear the word “holistic”? I would dare say you think of something in it’s entirety, and that is correct. Something that is whole is complete. A holistic leadership leader understands their entire being. They recognize they are not defined by what they do, but who they are. Holistic leadership is also organizational; however, we are going to look at it from a personal leadership standpoint.

For an individual to be whole and complete is a challenge because no matter how hard we try to maintain balance, life is always changing. Life brings unexpected complications and opportunities. As a leader we want to become aware of how we best maintain balance and live an integrated life. A holistic leader is self-aware and understands their values and what drives them. A holistic leader knows there is harmony to maintain between both the mind and body as well as relationships, finances, community and spiritual being.

As a leader people are looking to you to maintain symmetry. They do not expect you to be perfect, but they do need their leader to know who they are and live a life that sets an example holistically: body (taking care of your physical body -eating healthy, exercise, and rest), soul (mind, will and emotions) and spirit.

Here are a few things you can do to lead holistically:

1. Know who you are and were you come from

2. Know what your values are and how they tie into your life story – this will help you prioritize

3. Know what motivates you both intrinsically and extrinsically

4. Know how to take care of yourself emotionally , mentally and physically and the importance of valuing and prioritizing these components

5. Be aware of relationships and the value they play in who you are

6. Identify what is important to you spiritually and be true to that

7. Practice financial awareness and balance this with your extrinsic motivations

8. Build a support and accountability group to help you practice being holistic and authentic.