Grayson James is a former CEO, author of Full Contract Performance The Internal Art of Organizational Collaboration and he's a sixth Dan black belt in Aikido - a particular interest of mine as I often use the term emotional Aikido in my programs to help people master the difficult conversations that are part of leadership.
Together we go deep on the embodied experience of leadership and especially how that applies to working effectively with others. We explore somatic awareness in leadership - paying attention to our physical intention and interactions. Expanding our field of vision, checking our blind spots - there is so much we can be better aware of and utilise for enhanced collaboration.
Moving towards the challenge with leadership aikido
Why you should listen: standing your leadership ground
Calm the nervous system to engage fully
We explore creating the context for collaboration
Be prepared for difficult leadership conversations
Notice where your attention lands - and why
Embrace the meta - a leadership tactic for understanding the problem
Take action
Practise conscious breathing - slow down, calm the nervous system down.
Tip of the week is a little quote from The Olympus Project, and at the beginning of each chapter, there's a quote from one of the people, or in this case, from the World Designers Manifesto. And the quote is this: When we design a world, we design a future. We anticipate a world worth living in. That doesn't happen by accident. We can design an environment that encourages trust and cooperation. The rest is up to the inhabitants.
I think it’s important to remember that.
About Grayson James
Grayson James has been helping executives, boards and senior management teams transform their collaborative business performance for over 30 years. Former CEO of a nationally acclaimed multi-campus private school system, he is author of the recently released, Full Contact Performance: The Internal Art of Organizational Collaboration with foreword by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. He holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Aikido, which he integrates into his coaching and consulting work with leaders.
Key moments
Planet Human: The self-checkout falls from favour - sometimes the human touch is best.
Planet Zoë: I’m taking a fresh perspective on 2024 with the Leadership Conclave, a beautiful day of reflection and connection planned for March. Find out more.
The importance of collaboration in leadership (00:03:34)
Introducing guest Grayson James and the concept of somatic awareness, embodied leadership, and the significance of collaboration in leadership.
The learning conversation (00:13:08)
Discussing the importance of learning together and expanding what is possible through comparing data, sharing interpretations, and exploring differences and commonalities.
The design conversation (00:14:25)
Exploring the process of designing the future together, making decisions, declarations, and setting priorities, goals, and strategies.
The fulfilment conversation (00:17:05)
Highlighting the significance of executing promises, managing commitments, building trust, and ensuring successful collaboration through effective communication and follow-through.
The importance of collaboration (00:24:13)
Our success is dependent on the success of others.
Creating a constructive environment (00:25:02)
The importance of framing the conversation, focusing on root causes instead of blame, and creating a shared perspective.
Paying attention the correct way (00:26:43)
Different ways of paying attention and the need to shift attention from blame to learning and expanding perspectives.
Somatic awareness in collaboration (00:36:34)
Exploration of the connection between somatic awareness and effective collaboration, using the principles of Aikido to respond without aggression and work with the energy of others.
Breathing practices for calming the nervous system (00:40:57)
The practicality and effectiveness of using simple breathing practices to reset the nervous system, enhance receptivity, and prepare for difficult conversations and collaboration.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.