Way of Being Framework

The key thing with this idea of Way of Being is that all three components (language, mood, body) are in constant interaction to create a person's Way of Being. This Way of Being is the filter by which an individual interprets their experience of the world. In the example shared above, you can understand how Way of Being is limiting the range of possibilities a person can see. In this mood of anxiety, Way of Being can lead a person to act defensively to protect themselves against this threatening world. There is no chance of creativity or innovation and there is a strong chance that energy spent in this Way of Being will also reduce the person's productivity.

Let’s ramp it up further. Let’s say this person is in a leadership role. Perhaps they lead a division of an organisation going through significant change or perhaps they lead a smaller startup of a team of six. What do you think the impact of their Way of Being that Monday morning will be on their team?

Chances are high that, unless they know how to observe their own Way of Being and adapt it, they will spread their own mood throughout the team during the day. Sometimes in the first five minutes. Have you ever noticed how difficult other people are when you are in a bad mood?

The centre of influence of leader starts with their Way of Being. The model is a great starting point for leaders to become better at observing themselves and to be able to consciously and actively manager themselves and their impact on others.

Acknowledgment: The idea of Way of Being was developed by Alan Sieler of the Newfield Institute http://www.newfieldinstitute.com.au/