Based on the premise of the leader and leadership dynamic (i.e., positional authority vs. influence), the true path to being influential is to be a Centered Leader. Deep down in the heart of the Centered Leader is the realization they don’t have what they need to lead people, but they choose to be humble by realizing they need to improve and help their people improve, and that is the single most enhancing choice a person makes as a leader. Influence has two sides: 1). the inner self, and 2). the outer self. Centeredness manifests from the integration of the inner self with the outer self, allowing one’s authenticity to emerge as a significant influencer to empower oneself and others to be fully functional. Bennis (1989) conveyed that the process of becoming a leader is much the same as becoming an integrated human being. How do you become an integrated leader? The purpose of this book is to explain how you can integrate your inner and outer self and become a centered leader.
The inner self is made up of personality and behavior, while the outer self is made up of vision and growth. The integration of your inner and outer self manifests in a fully functioning individual from which a Centered Leader operates.
The function of leadership is the most persuasive power in the world, specifically in organizations where power literally impacts the quality of life of every individual working at the organization, local society at a regional and national level, and global impact. Organizational leaders today make large amounts of money, leverage more power, and pull more clout than ever before in history. Leaders continue to fail their organizations and their people. To become a centered leader, you’ll need to develop four dimensions of influence which are divided into two parts: part one is how you influence yourself, and part two is how you lead others. You influence yourself through awareness and connection. You influence others through empowerment and performance which is underpinned by your awareness and connection.