Standing Tall
Photo by Mikail McVerry on Unsplash
I spent some time today looking at the dictionary for definitions, antonyms, synonyms and usage for the word stiffen as in ‘to stiffen the spine.’ I’ll spare you the details, but as you might imagine, the term is connected with courage, standing up for what you believe in, and strength. Now all of those sound like virtues, nothing anyone would argue with and yet, I’m going to just a bit. Some of the synonyms are also words like harden, harshen, and toughen. And it seems to me that perhaps we have a limited idea of what it takes to ‘stand tall.’ In the same way, I think we also have a rather limited idea of what it means to lead.
When we talk about being ramrod straight, I picture a person who fears being flexible, who may be unable to admit to human error and weakness, and who, therefore, has a limited idea of leadership. Of course, we need leaders who are strong and have the courage of their convictions, but personally, I prefer working with leaders who have their fair share of humility and flexibility, as well. (Of course, that may be because I like to think of my leadership that way.)
But yoga has taught me there are different ways to be strong and that flexibility is healthy. The twists we practice in yoga help us have a healthier spine rather than simply a stiff one. Over time, twists help us find our way safely into new and more challenging postures. They support a strong core because our muscles are challenged to work in new ways which gives us more choices as to how we move.
In the same way, when we work to develop a leadership style that doesn’t confuse rigidity with strength, we develop the ability to move more easily with changing circumstances. We are also better able to appreciate the variety of talents and skills people bring with them and share the work of leadership. And we can create a healthier, more sustainable style of leadership for ourselves and our organizations.
If you find your back stiff at the end of a workday, try a couple of gentle twists. Not a wrenching, vertebrae-popping harsh twist, but a gentle, smooth twist. Enjoy the freedom of movement you will develop over time in your body, your emotions, and your thinking – perhaps even in your leadership.
Take care,
Gage