Leadership today is evolving. It’s no longer about one person making all the decisions. The power now lies in every member of the team. This was just one of the key insights from the two-day leadership program I organized, titled “Leadership – Now and Here.” The focus was on building leadership skills through the practice of somatic coaching and it was absolutely fantastic.
As you probably noticed from my previous posts – somatic coaching connects the mind and body through a lot of very specific practices. During this program, participants explored how their bodies, emotions, and thoughts interact, influencing their leadership presence. The experience deepened understanding of how crucial it is for leaders to be connected to their bodies, not just their minds.
Day 1: The Labyrinth
I called the first day “The Labyrinth.” It was a journey into the complexities of leadership and it was like finding the way through a maze. Our surrounding helped foster the connection – we were immersed in nature and it became clear how essential it is to involve all our senses. The environment was a perfect metaphor for leadership: just as we should listen to nature, we must listen to our bodies.
It immediately became clear how sometimes we forget about ourselves, especially in the face of endless tasks and responsibilities. Leaders often push their bodies to the side, focusing only on logic, reason, and problem-solving – traits associated with the left brain hemisphere. Yes, these skills are essential, but they can dominate our leadership style if we don’t balance them with the right brain hemisphere, which is creative, intuitive, and emotional. It doesn’t ask Why, it knows.
Day 2: Mind and Body
On the second day, titled “Mind and Body,” we dove deeper into how leadership requires a balance between mental tasks and physical awareness. The added value of the programme was Milica Vujović Savović, a certified music therapist and practitioner of Peter Hess Sound Methods, who made magic with the help of gongs and Tibetan singing bowls. Second day was a reminder that leadership is about more than strategies and objectives – it’s about being present with yourself and those around you. So, when faced with a difficult decision, let’s ask ourselves: what is my body telling me? Leadership is about finding a balance between logic and intuition, between mind and body. This integration helps leaders regulate their autonomic nervous systems, leading to calmer, more thoughtful decisions.
My message for all of you: Take time for yourself. Find space to reconnect with your body and mind every day. The insights you gain will not only make you a better leader but will also improve your well-being.
