According to some eastern philosophies the term enlightenment signifies freedom from suffering, which could be translated as our choice and ability to act from a place of no ego or non judgment.

 Enlightenment simply means clarity of thought and action.  For example, if I am engaged in a discussion with another and the other starts to express some anger at that point I have a choice to either join them by responding with anger, or choose to listen, understand and respond from a place of non-judgment. This is an example of a response that is purely aimed at keeping us both pro-actively (vs. reactive) engaged in the discussion – leading to a more sound outcome or a non-suffering (enlightening) experience.

In reference to leadership, enlightenment could be translated into having wisdom and expressing compassion.  Having wisdom allows the leader to remain centered and proactive under any circumstance.   

Wisdom gives the leader clarity, the ability to be aware of the present moment – of the best action she can take at that moment. 

Compassion takes the leader from a judgmental stance to a non-judgmental stance – where the leader truly listens and understands.  Compassion allows the leader to take a holistic view of the situation – it takes the leader from “I” to “We”.  Compassion means looking out for the benefit of the whole, not the self.

What steps are you taking towards a more ‘present’ type of leadership?