Why Everyone Needs to Read ‘The 15 Commitments Of Conscious Leadership’ [REVIEW]

Everyone can become a better leader if they learn to think “above the line” as explained in the book, The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. (Photo by reynermedia, Flickr)

I was first introduced to the “conscious leadership” style when I attended a webinar on the subject provided by my employer. The concept intrigued me so much, I immediately ordered a copy of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp.

Dethmer, Chapman, and Klemp

Although I am not in a management position, I have always believed everyone can be a leader. Each of us must decide if we are “leading above or below the line,” meaning, are we closed and defensive (below the line) or open and curious (above the line) when dealing with our colleagues.

I wondered how I was doing in this area. So I spent a morning analyzing my reactions to others when interacting with my co-workers. Something interesting happened. I could pinpoint when I was going to react in a way that was below the line, which occured when I felt the need to be right, versus staying above the line and being open to the learning process.

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership has helped me view myself differently, so that now I can take a step back and honestly critique my own actions when leading or associating with my workmates.

One of the things I like in the book is that Dethmer, Chapman, and Klemp weave excellent, insightful examples throughout the book that plant seeds of change to promote growth within their readers.

I highly recommend The 15 Commitnments of Conscious Leadership to anyone who is open to breaking down barriers in the workplace and desires to increase self awareness in their quest for true understanding of themselves. Because at the end of the day, the only person we can change is ourselves.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jim Dethmer

Jim Dethmer has been coaching leaders and supporting individuals, groups, and organizations to optimize their effectiveness. Potent and practical, he sees issues clearly and communicates next steps crisply.

Jim works with Fortune 200 CEOs across all industries, and co-authored the book—High Performing Investment Teams—to support his work with leading asset management organizations around the world.

He is married to Debbie Burditt and together they have six children.

Diana Chapman

Diana Chapman has been a trusted advisor to over 700 organizational leaders and many of their teams. Clients from Genentech to Yahoo! value her clarity, compassion, ferocity and playfulness.

A well-respected facilitator for the Young Presidents Organization, Diana works with forums and chapters worldwide. She invites leaders to the edge while igniting the courage to leap into the unknown, the space where a bigger game of life awaits.

When Diana is not with her clients, you will find her gardening at her suburban farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. She lives there with her husband of over 25 years and their two children.

Kaley Warner Klemp

Kaley Warner Klemp is a favorite with Young Presidents Organization forums and chapters and has facilitated retreats for more than 200 member and spouse forums throughout the world.

She is known for guiding groups to the next level of depth. She is a graduate of Stanford University, where she earned a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Sociology, with a focus on Organizational Behavior.

She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband Nate.

THE 15 COMMITMENTS OF CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP: A NEW PARADIGM FOR SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS
By Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Warner Klemp
374 pgs. Dethmer, Chapman and Klemp. $17