Call me crazy. Call me soft. Call me touchy-feely. Call me toxically positive. It's OK. I've been called all of those before.

For me, leadership is (almost) all about character. The policies and the mission and the purpose for the organization is very separate (TO ME) from the character of the leadership. It's the distinction between what your organization DOES and who its leaders are BEING when they are doing the doing. To me, that's what it means to be CONSCIOUS (open, curious, committed to learning) as opposed to UNCONSCIOUS (closed, defensive, committed to being right). It's always been about character. To me.

Let's talk about culture and the character of the leaders.

Today I share a response I got from ChatGPT when I asked it to compare the culture of a corporation led by a conscious leader to the culture of a certain country led by a certain person. Fascinating.

Here, in a nutshell, is the distinction:

1. Empathy and Inclusivity: A conscious leader prioritizes empathy and inclusivity, fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and respected. Such leaders actively listen to their team members, understand their perspectives, and create policies that support diversity and inclusion. • Impact on Culture: The corporate culture under conscious leadership is characterized by high morale, strong teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Employees are more engaged, motivated, and productive because they feel their contributions matter.
2. Ethical Decision-Making: Conscious leaders uphold strong ethical standards and make decisions based on integrity and transparency. They prioritize the long-term well-being of the organization, its employees, and the community over short-term gains. • Impact on Culture: Ethical behavior builds trust and loyalty within the organization. Employees are more likely to trust their leaders and follow their example, leading to a culture of honesty, accountability, and mutual respect.
3. Purpose-Driven Mission: Conscious leaders often guide their organizations with a clear, purpose-driven mission that goes beyond profit. They seek to make a positive impact on society and the environment. • Impact on Culture: A purpose-driven mission inspires employees and aligns their personal values with the organization’s goals. This alignment enhances job satisfaction, reduces turnover, and attracts talent that is passionate about the organization’s vision.
4. Collaborative Environment: Conscious leaders encourage collaboration and open communication. They value input from all levels of the organization and make decisions through a collaborative process. • Impact on Culture: Collaboration leads to innovation, as diverse ideas and perspectives are brought together. It also creates a sense of community and shared responsibility, strengthening the overall organizational culture.

National Culture Under (Insert name here)

1. Polarization and Division
2. Controversial Decision-Making
3. Nationalistic and Protectionist Policies
4. Authoritarian Tendencies 

For me, leadership has much more to do with the CHARACTER of the person than with the policies or procedures of the organization. If I trust someone, I'm much more likely to follow, especially if that leader encourages me to think critically about things rather than just follow blindly. It was a fascinating prompt and response, regardless of what you think about AI.

Want more opportunities to talk about tough subjects in a safe space? Visit the Enlightened Leadership Lab on Mondays from 3-4:30 central. Contact Jodee for a code. Your first visit is free with no obligation. For more info go to https://enlightenedleadershiplab.com.