The Conscious Leadership Book

The Inner Journey to

Conscious Leadership

Ten Practices For Leading Consciously

Balboa Press
Amazon US
Amazon UK

The Challenge

The crisis of leadership in our world today and, more specifically, the lack of conscious leadership, demands a new approach, a new direction.

Our world is suffering at the hands of people who place their desire to be right above the desire to do the right thing. Whether we’re talking about executives, politicians, educators, religious leaders, financiers, healthcare professionals, or any other category of leader, we must stop tolerating those who place self-interest above service to others and the environment. Conscious leaders are self-aware but not self-centered; they focus consciously on practices and behaviors that help them make a positive difference in the world.

The Answer

In this book, the three themes of Noticing What is Going On, Setting Intention, and Acting Responsibly form the basis of a radical new way of leading in the world.

Three practices have been included for each theme. Listening with all the senses, learning relentlessly, and living mindfully are the three practices for noticing what is going on. Exploring purposefully, thinking possibility, and committing to action are the three practices for setting intention. Speaking candidly, acting with integrity, and taking responsible action are the three practices for acting responsibly. Each of these practices may be considered separately, but combining all the practices, and practicing all the practices all the time, represents the tenth practice.

The author draws on his coaching, consulting, and leadership experience along with his academic studies and the writings of experts in the emerging fields of conscious leadership and conscious business to illustrate the real-life application of conscious leadership practices. The specific practices and behaviors identified in this book are essential for anyone aspiring to be a conscious leader.

This book is for leaders, and we are all leaders

Even if you don’t consider yourself a leader, the practices in this book can be applied to living consciously as well as to leading consciously.

Conscious leaders have a responsibility to serve as planetary stewards, making a meaningful contribution to the future of the world, their organizations, and the people whose lives are entrusted to them. This book will help you shape your future with mindful awareness, purposeful intentions, and responsible actions.

“Shaping our future as if we will live forever yet living today as if we will die tomorrow”

PAUL WARD

Reviews

“The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership is a well-researched book that provides valuable insight into the development of a conscious leadership team. I would recommend my entire leadership team read and discuss the avenues teams may take to enhance their journey toward developing conscious leadership. Acting in a positive way engendered by conscious leaders results in tangible outcomes that transform an organization.”

James Wissler — Retired Health Care Executive

“This is a serious book for those who already know about conscious leadership but who aspire to a deeper level of exploration … those with more than a casual curiosity about awakened executive guidance. The scope of what is covered is expansive yet provides enough information and references to related resources, as well his own personal perspectives, to ensure there are no “light touches” on the topics addressed. Paul brings in plenty of firstperson viewpoints and past experiences, but it never feels like the book shifts to being all about him. Each personal anecdote serves as an elaboration mechanism for an issue he is highlighting or a point he is making. Finally, he provides both conceptual frameworks for the topics covered and practical how-to instructions for operationalizing the practices.”

Daryl Conner — Chairman, Conner Partners, Conner Advisory, and Conner Academy

“Paul Ward has masterfully identified practices that are essential for anyone aspiring to be a conscious leader. Becoming a conscious leader is a journey, and regular practices are critical if one is to continuously grow in self-knowledge and self-awareness. A great addition to the field.”

John Renesch — Futurist, Author, The Great Growing Up

“Developing conscious leadership is a noble quest in today’s world. Paul Ward has provided a rich resource for those who are pursuing this path. Filled with stories from his own experience and references to an outstanding range of resources, the book organizes a wide range of material into nine themes that fulfill the book’s intention to “inspire, educate, and encourage.” I highly recommend this book to current and aspiring leaders who want to bring their best selves into their work.”

Dr. Linda Hoopes — President, Resilience Alliance; Author, Prosilience: Building your Resilience for a Turbulent World

“Through his ten practices in The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership, Paul Ward offers a wonderful overview of the skills, characteristics, and presence that leaders need in today’s rapidly changing and complex world. He shares parts of his own journey as well as clear examples, supportive quotes, and helpful references to many other thought leaders’ work as further resources for learning and development. Thank you, Paul Ward, for bringing clarity and definition to this new paradigm of leadership.”

Alan Seale — Director of the Center for Transformational Presence; Author, Transformational Presence: How to Make a Difference in a Rapidly Changing World and Create a World That Works

“When it comes to Conscious Leadership, Paul Ward is an astronomer and a biologist – he looks through both a telescope and a microscope. His book gives the reader a big picture overview of the subject as well as practical, specific details on how to live and lead consciously.”

Jim Dethmer — Co-founder, The Conscious Leadership Group

“This book is a must read for anyone wanting to become a more conscious, values-driven leader. I have known Paul Ward in his roles as student, teacher, and researcher of values-driven leadership for nearly twenty years and recommend reading this book. The practices and behaviors he has presented will act as an excellent guide for aspiring conscious leaders who want to make a more meaningful contribution to the world.”

Richard Barrett — Founder of the Barrett Values Centre and Director of the Academy for the Advancement of Human Values

“In this book, Paul Ward provides the reader with all the equipment necessary to undertake their inner journey to becoming a conscious leader. Like all experienced guides, he has provided context, a map, and a list of suggested supplies. And, he has woven in his personal experiences and reference materials to ensure it is a memorable and life-changing journey.”

Thomas Eddington — CEO FutureShapers

“Fascinating, thought-provoking, and insightful! This book is a wake-up call to all those who think they are conscious of how they affect others. A must read for those who know they need to be better.”

Richard Leider — Bestselling Author. The Power of Purpose, Repacking Your Bags, and Life Reimagined

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