From Chaos to Clarity: Embracing the Zen Leader

Photo credit: Michael Basil using ChatGPT using DALL-E, an image generation tool by OpenAI.

By Michael Basil

Awakening the Mindset Dojo

For as long as I can remember I have been captivated by Zen, dojos, Aikido and the philosophies of both the East and West. These principles lightly influenced my life though it wasn't until the past few years that I truly delved into them as a guide. My journey took a significant turn during my time at SAP where I co-created a mindset dojo. This initiative marked the formal beginning of my coaching career and our collective effort to transform not just skills but mindsets within a business unit.

Transformation projects at SAP were more than mere skill acquisition; they demanded a deep exploration of what was preventing people from embracing change. Initially, our dojo was an abstract concept but as we progressed, it evolved into a practical community-oriented space. Our focus was on applying simple yet profound concepts repeatedly, fostering a culture of mentorship with senpai (senior students) and sensei, embodying commitment and responsibility.

The Influence of Zen Leader

A pivotal moment in our dojo's evolution came with the introduction of Phil Jackson's book "Eleven Rings." While the book itself didn't root in with our community, it referenced another work that would become transformative: "The Zen Leader" by Ginny Whitelaw. At first, I skimmed over these references but Jimmy, one of our sensei who had been practicing Zen Leader principles, persistently encouraged me to explore it.

Once I did, the impact was profound. "The Zen Leader" opened new dimensions of perspective, connecting the mind and body in ways we hadn't considered. Our weekly circle calls transformed as Jimmy and I immersed ourselves in the Zen Leader teachings and attended our first Zen Leader retreat. The change was palpable; participants in our dojo began experiencing deeper connections and more meaningful impacts in their personal and professional lives by proxy.

Beyond SAP: A Community of Growth

Our journey didn't end at SAP. We decided to publish our dojo open source and establish a new Dojo Center, welcoming a freshly formed public open community. This new phase continues to integrate the Zen Leader principles and the FEBI (Focus Energy Balance Indicator), offering a structured yet flexible approach to personal growth and conflict resolution.

The dojo's principles—conflict induces creative growth and emotional waves are signals for inspection—became central to our mission of exploring change with wholehearted curiosity. For me, these principles were not just theoretical; they profoundly influence my personal life. Through high-conflict divorce and parenting challenges, the FEBI provided a self-awareness tool that helped me understand my natural tendencies, find energy and navigate difficult situations with intentionality and flow.

Transforming Negotiations, Conflict Communication and Co-Parenting

Every negotiation I am a part of, every conflict communication and every co-parenting alignment opportunity is positively influenced by the principles and practices I have adopted through the mindset dojo and the Zen Leader teachings. These practices have transformed my approach, making me more centered, insightful and effective in navigating complex and seemingly chaotic situations.

In negotiations, I apply the Zen Leader principles to remain calm, focused and empathetic, allowing me to understand the perspectives of all parties involved. This approach fosters mutual respect and cooperation, leading to more constructive and beneficial outcomes. Conflict communication, once fraught with tension and misunderstanding, is now approached with curiosity and a willingness to explore underlying issues. This has helped to resolve conflicts more efficiently and build stronger, more resilient relationships.

Co-parenting, which can often be challenging, has become a domain where I apply these principles most deeply. My direct parenting is now more centered and insightful, allowing me to connect with my children Jack and Lila on a profound level. I am more patient and understanding and at my best I approach each interaction with a sense of curiosity and openness. This has created a more nurturing environment where my children feel heard, valued and supported.

"As a coach, I am client zero, continuously applying and experiencing the profound impact of these principles in my life."

Looking Forward

Every conflict has become an opportunity for growth. The mindset dojo, influenced by the Zen Leader, fosters a community over committee approach, emphasizing the people aspect over mere profitability. As a coach, I am client zero, continuously applying and experiencing the profound impact of these principles in my life. This journey of transformation, deeply influenced by the Zen Leader, has given warmth, focus and flexibility that were previously missing.

The future of our mindset dojo and my personal journey is exciting. The ongoing commitment to the Zen Leader program and its community helps ensure a continuous improvement cycle, fostering positive impressions and impactful changes in our world. I am deeply grateful for this path and excited to see where it leads us next.

Michael Basil is a member of the IZL community and becoming one if its coaches.

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