Where there is no vision the people perish.
~ King Solomon
Leaders in elite organizations like The Rangers, The Marines, and The Navy SEALS know the power of what is called the “Collective Consciousness.”
Obviously, this phenomenon can work for the betterment or the detriment of all individuals involved.
Robert Kegan from Harvard calls the collective programming “Socialized Mind”; and Kegan states it’s almost next to impossible to escape from it. In fact, according to Kegan, approximately 75% of the population operate from this conditioned state of mentality.
In this stage we believe we have “free will” or independent thought, but we really don’t. In Socialized Mind we have yet to develop an independent sense of self. Most of what we think, feel, and do is grounded in how we think and feel others perceive us, or in how we want them to perceive us.
How can you truly know that you have free will and independent thought
if you are primarily agreeing with the mass majority?
Or even always agreeing with your own particular group?
Socialize Mind is a beast that has its fangs buried deep in the necks of us all; and it has no intention of letting go.
If it lets go of too many people, it will die.
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority,
it is time to pause and reflect.
~ Mark Twain
Becoming an adult according to Kegan, is to finally break free from socialized mind and to step into the developmental stage of “Self-Authoring Mind.”
Kegan’s research proves that there’s an “immunity to change”; and it takes tremendous energy and power to break the chains of Socialized Mind.
Socialized Mind is a beast that has its fangs buried deep
in the necks of us all and it has no intention whatsoever of letting go.
The Leader of the Future that we’re exploring must first break his own chains and self-author his own life.
Clarifying their own values, vision and purpose, these leaders begin living from their own internal compass versus what they’ve been programmed to buy into and believe.
Sadly, only a little more than 25% ever achieve this level of awareness and freedom.
So, what does this have to do with “Collective Consciousness”?
Well, we’ve described the detriment, now let’s discuss the upside.
Once the leader accomplishes this freedom for himself, he then assists his team in doing the same.
You make every single decision, every single moment of the day, based upon your values. Unfortunately, most can’t articulate what their values are;
and therefore are just living on unconscious autopilot;
and wondering why they’re not getting what they deserve.
Once the leader assists his team in defining their own individual Mission, Purpose, Vision, Values and Goals, then they’re equipped to determine if there’s an alignment between their personal objectives and the collective business objectives.
In some cases, there may be no congruence or alignment. And that’s okay.
You see, the authentic leader knows you can hire hands, but you can’t hire heart, mind, and spirit.
The Kingdom of Mind
When there’s a great overlap between your personal values and objectives and the values and objectives of the business, that’s where you place your heart, mind, and spirit in addition to your hands.
This is where the magic begins to happen.
The authentic leader knows you can hire hands, but heart,
mind, and spirit must be earned through common values and collective mind.
You see, it’s a very common misnomer that you must be an elite athlete to graduate from the Navy SEALS.
The grueling regiment is legendary.
The legendary “Hell Week” is specifically designed to break the aspiring SEAL with no sleep, and mental, physical, and emotional stressors beyond belief. Only 20% of those who start finish.
But here’s the often-unknown factor. Many professional athletes wash out. Those at the peak of elite physical conditioning.
Yes, you must be in good physical shape, but a good athlete can make it through the physical portion of Hell Week. Yet elite athleticism is not necessary.
The factor that breaks most is not physical. It’s mental. Very few have the mental stamina and emotional strength to make it through hell and back.
This is where “collective mind” plays a major roll. As well as everything we’ve discussed. Being part of a community committed to a common cause.
When there is a common commitment and cause, we’re capable of far more than we believe we’re capable of.
When we as leaders of our own lives tap into this, and then help our teams do the same, the universe moves.
Be a Leader. Live Your Purpose; and Take Your Power Back!
James
Join me and a group of new leaders from around the globe for two days that will bring you the mental stamina and emotional strength necessary to transform all areas of your life and business. Mental Mastery and Power. August 17-18, Las Vegas. Limited seating. Details here: https://jamesray.com/mental-mastery-and-power/
