This course explores compassion-based leadership, and its relationship to the design and development of organizational culture. With a starting point inspired by the timeless maxim, "Know Thy Self', this course goes further to consider two lesser-known inscriptions that were found at Delphi; "All in Moderation", and "Surety Is Ruin." Each of the aforementioned maxims open doors of inquiry to self-compassion, the dualistic framework of consciousness, and mindfulness as emotive knowledge.
By making clear distinctions between self-compassion, self-pity, and self-esteem, the course will prepare participants to cultivate and understand the importance of their insight-oriented personal narrative, and coinciding work, thereby preparing leaders to infuse the fingerprint of their essence (self-referential, archetypal, and auto poietic) into the organization's symbols, language, rituals, and mission.
The course will also explore the prospects of weaving compassion into the hygiene of the organization. Ways in which a leader's self-compassion by way of example, and formalized policy would help to facilitate an ongoing cultivation of a compassion-driven culture.
A practical component of the course includes participation in guided mindful meditations, as well as the opportunity to lead a small-group mindful meditation. While there are well known physical and mental benefits that meditation can offer, this course draws from the latest findings in behavioral neuroscience (Polyvagal Theory) to soundly inform and prepare participants in a way that will help them to identify common barriers to mindfulness, that leave many new and even experienced practitioners without some of the features of meditation that are known to promote mental and physical health. Through an understanding of how our physiology and psychology maintains those barriers, participants will employ polyvagal informed techniques that set the table for increased equanimity and emotive awareness.
