(I012) The Seed: Your Leadership DNA
What if the secret to authentic leadership lies in something as small as a seed?
Just like a seed carries the DNA that determines its growth, your leadership DNA holds the unique values, experiences, and strengths that define who you are. These elements form the foundation of your growth, much like a seed’s roots anchor it in the soil. But growth doesn’t happen automatically—it begins with curiosity, the first root that pushes us to explore and thrive.
A Seed’s Paradox A seed cannot grow by clinging to what it already is—it must break open to become more. In surrendering its protective shell, the seed allows curiosity to guide its first sprout and courage to push through the soil into the unknown. The paradox is this: only by letting go of its safety can the seed fulfill its authentic potential and begin its journey toward growth and purpose.
This first act of courage—breaking open—is guided by curiosity. Curiosity compels us to ask questions, explore new possibilities, and embrace change. It is the spark that transforms potential into meaningful action, a journey all great leaders undertake.
Curiosity: The First Root of Leadership Curiosity is more than a spark—it is the first root that anchors leadership growth. It allows us to explore our values, challenge our assumptions, and adapt to new circumstances. Leaders who cultivate curiosity are not only more resilient but also more innovative and effective in navigating challenges (Harvard Business Review, Dickerson, 2024).
Simon Sinek’s Start with Why reinforces this, highlighting the importance of understanding your purpose. Knowing your “Why” clarifies your vision and inspires action (Sinek, 2011). Curiosity is where this clarity begins, helping leaders uncover their unique potential and align their actions with their purpose.
The SEED Framework: Uncovering Your Leadership DNA To help leaders uncover their authentic selves, I developed the SEED DNA framework—a simple yet powerful tool to explore the core elements of leadership: Self-Awareness, Energy, Emotions, and Distinction. These overlapping elements form the foundation of your leadership DNA:
Self-Awareness: What drives you? Identify your core values, beliefs, and motivations.
Energy: What fuels you? Note the activities and relationships that energize and inspire you.
Emotions: What moves you? Explore emotions that guide your decisions and the ones needing healing.
Distinction: What sets you apart? Recognize your unique strengths and traits that define your leadership.
Where these elements overlap lies the heart of your authentic leadership potential. Around the outside of this framework, reflect on external “shoulds” or outdated beliefs that may no longer serve you. By letting these go, you create space for new growth.
The Courage to Grow Just as a seed must weather storms to grow, leaders must navigate challenges that test their resilience. These storms, while uncomfortable, deepen our roots and strengthen our resolve. Embracing your unique leadership DNA requires the courage to explore, adapt, and grow through both triumphs and trials.
The “And So” Moment
And so, like a seed, your leadership journey begins with curiosity—the first root that drives exploration and growth. Leadership is not about perfection; it is about embracing the unique qualities that make you who you are and aligning them with your purpose.
Curiosity is the spark that transforms potential into growth, and courage is what sustains it. Are you ready to uncover your authentic leadership DNA?
Head over to www.ensomindset.com to access the FREE Activity and take the first step toward nurturing your leadership journey, email anette@ensomindset.com for access.
Have you ever experienced a moment where everything suddenly clicked, ideas connected, and reflection turned into purposeful action? (Cue chime!) That’s what I call an "and so" moment—a shift from uncertainty to empowerment, where clarity, balance, and transformation align.
Ensō Mindset draws inspiration from the Zen Ensō circle, symbolizing growth, openness, and alignment. Like the unbroken yet open circle, it embraces impermanence and possibility, guiding leaders to bridge their authentic strengths with meaningful actions. These "and so" moments are where ideas spark, purpose ignites, and impactful change begins.
Inspired by Great Minds
Dickerson, C. (2024, May 9). The ladder of inference: Building self-awareness to be a better human-centered leader. Harvard Business Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.harvardbusiness.org/the-ladder-of-inference-building-self-awareness-to-be-a-better-human-centered-leader/
Sinek, S. (2011). Start with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. Penguin Books. Simon Sinek's The Optimism Company
