Being at Choice.
In the values-centered leadership course I facilitate through DePaul University, we explore stages of personal and spiritual development. We discuss theorists Ken Wilber, Abraham Maslow, van den Brink, with a little Steven Covey and Martin Seigelman thrown in.
Why these models?
Two reasons. First, we hold that leadership is a journey and that by knowing something about stages of growth (in people and organizations), we can better “see” where we are and we are able to reflect more deeply on questions that matter to us and others (What do I think? How do I feel? Why is this important to me? What should I do?). Second, with this self-awareness, particularly at different junctures in our life, we can make choices and decisions that set a direction, rather than drifting along without a compass. We are “at choice.”
Being "at choice" is not abstract philosophy—it is the pivot between stagnation and growth in Maslow’s continuum. Other theorists have built on this idea. Victor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning believed that even under extreme conditions, humans always have the freedom to choose their attitudes. Carl Rogers wrote that being at choice is central to authenticity - a desired trait in leaders. And Stephen Covey, who wrote "The 7 Habits" presented us with "proactive" vs. "reactive" and connected that choosing one's response is directly tied to growth, maturity and self-mastery.
As a practitioner I am always driven to ask, "What does 'being at choice' look, taste and feel like? How do we do it well?" Here's a few things for us to consider as leaders -
Notice our own language (and others) - "I have to" or "The boss says I must" signals lack of agency; "I choose to" or "I am deciding to" are reframes that make us authors of our own behavior!
Name that "we are at a decision or choice point" and challenge/invite self and others to more deeply examine an issue or problem.
Ask ourselves frequently, "What choice, if made, aligns more closely with my values of...?"
Finally, here's an interesting exercise: Open up your calendar for next week, take a look of your activities and ask, "Does my calendar align with who I say I am and what I value personally and as a leader?"
