This is a follow-on to the previous week's post (available below) in which we explored Sankalpa as sacred commitment aligning actions with a profound sense of purpose to positively impact one’s leadership skills.
 
1. Personalized Learning for Leadership Development.
In a post-Covid era when the dinner table became the conference room, leadership from home transformed to propel individuals, teams, and organizations toward excellence. At the forefront of this view, we turn to the concept that ‘Leadership is a personal journey, and Sankalpa offers a tailored approach to growth’ that can occur in any given context. By crafting intentions that align with individual strengths and aspirations, leaders tailor their vision focusing on specific areas of improvement. This personalized approach nurtures an ethos of continuous learning and self-discovery within leadership to enable development within the culture of an organization.
 
2. Intentionality as a Continuous Journey.
​A Sankalpa-driven leader, by embodying their commitment, becomes an inspiration for a culture of intentionality within the organization. This cultural pivot creates a collaborative environment where teams are aligned with a shared purpose, driving collective and individual success. Encouraging teams to embrace the organizational higher truth creates a shared sense of purpose and commitment. This collective intention-setting aligns the entire organization toward common goals, cultivating a collaborative work environment.
 
I’m not suggesting that once vows are embraced conditions immediately shift toward the better. Rather, I am offering that Sankalpa balances and facilitates effective leadership by anchoring aspirations in a commitment to the highest truth. Leaders who integrate vows into their leadership style pursue ambitious goals with a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility understanding that leadership is a continuous journey. But, how does a leader incorporate such a concept into their approach?
 
To fully grasp the transformative power of Sankalpa, leaders can embark on a guided journey through use of the below prompts. While they are not all necessary to approach as a step-by-step process (context is key), the intentional implementation of one creates the space and flex to incorporate added phases. And, when doing so, give yourself sufficient time to discern the depth of the level necessary to achieve desired results. This may necessitate self-compassion to transcend current controls, or it may suggest that a particular step involves additional resources, such as time.
 
3. The Gameplan.

1. Begin by setting aside time for self-reflection. Consider your values, strengths, and long-term goals. The time involved varies based on one's schedule. Typically, the beginning and end of the day are helpful as this time offers the space to envision and reveal the events that occurred to reorient oneself toward successive opportunities.
2. Craft a Sankalpa that resonates with your authentic self and embodies your commitment to what is understood as your highest truth. This sacred commitment represents your core, the very essence of your being.
3. Translate a Sankalpa into tangible, measurable goals that align with your vision. Most will use SMART goals, however that is only one tool available among many. For instance, you might opt to try OKR, BHAG, PACT, Stretch, and GROW among the many options.
4. Emphasize the importance of regularly revisiting and reaffirming the Sankalpa to stay connected with the core intention and adjust goals as needed. This can be done according to personal preference but at a time that allows your undivided attention.  
5. And, lastly, while this certainly applies to an organization, on an individual level, extend the practice outward, fosteing a collective commitment that enhances collaboration and goal alignment among one’s personal community.

 
As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, where adaptability and resilience are paramount, Sankalpa emerges as a thread that transcends cultural and organizational frontiers. By integrating the essence of Sankalpa into one’s leadership style, leaders can navigate complexities of authenticity with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth.

The significance of Sankalpa becomes increasingly apparent—not just as a tactical or a strategic tool but as a profound commitment to leadership excellence. By setting Sankalpa as the north star, leaders unlock a path to sustained success, fulfillment, and a legacy of authentic and impactful leadership.

In the dynamic landscape of leadership, where challenges abound and the need for authenticity is paramount, the ancient Sanskrit word "Sankalpa" emerges as a beacon informing leaders toward a transformative journey of self-discovery, intentionality, and purpose. Rooted in the union of 'san,' meaning 'connection with the highest truth,' and 'kalpa,' signifying 'commitment' or 'vow,' Sankalpa is more than a resolution—it's a sacred commitment to align one's actions with a profound sense of purpose. This post aims to consider the impact of Sankalpa on one’s leadership skills, providing insights into its meaning, and its significance for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of their lives.
 
Sankalpa, at its core, transcends the commonplace. It's not merely about setting goals but about forging a deep connection with one's authentic self. In the words of Swami Satyananda, author of "Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," Sankalpa is a sacred vow that connects us with the highest truth, paving the way for a purposeful and intentional life. Thus, as the authors of “Discovering Your Authentic Leadership” suggested in HBR in 2007, ‘authentic leadership is not a role; it's a way of being.’ Sankalpa offers a structured approach to authenticity by encouraging leaders to set intentions that align with their values, strengths, and long-term goals. By formulating a Sankalpa, leaders articulate a clear sense of purpose that becomes the compass guiding them toward genuine and impactful leadership.
 
‘Leadership often involves navigating intricate decision-making processes,’ as suggested by Bazerman and Moore. Sankalpa provides a mindful approach, ensuring choices are grounded in a commitment to the highest truth and core values. This intentional decision-making not only enhances the quality of choices but also fosters a sense of integrity and purpose in leadership. And while these two qualities are paramount in the leadership landscape, ‘resilience is a hallmark of effective leadership,’ as advocated by Tugade and Fredrickson (2004). Sankalpa serves as a source of resilience, providing a solid foundation during challenging times. By reaffirming their commitment to overarching goals, leaders can navigate setbacks with grace, emerging stronger and more determined to fulfill their mission.
 
Tune in for my next blog post when we’ll take a deeper-dive into some practical methods to apply Sankalpa through personal leadership style and team collaboration.
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It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.

1. Be grateful for the good & the bad.
Research shows, grateful people are happy people. It’s also important to understand that happiness is not the absence of negative feelings. Gratitude is a focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more. Embracing gratitude, as a state of mind, can have a positive affect on all aspects of life including our happiness and overall satisfaction.
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Up your mood by taking a moment daily to think of your world with gratitude. Start a gratitude journal or take a walk in nature paying attention to all the gifts around us. Think of a person that helps you on a daily or weekly basis – a spouse, parent, friend, pet, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter.

2. Flex your creativity muscles.
Do you have a passion or hobby? It doesn’t have to be a formal activity, simply engaging in creative thinking can enhance well-being by enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A recent study out of New Zealand, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology explains that creative activities can trigger an “upward spiral” of well-being.

Make some space in your day to create, even if it’s just for the sake of it. Try exploring unique textures or even natural and recycled materials to make something for your home or a friend. Looking for some tips on how to add more creativity into your daily life? Read this list of 101 creative habits to explore.

​3. Get connected, Stay connected.
Being a part of something larger than yourself can help bring perspective as well as a sense of belonging. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that feeling like you belong and generally feel close to other people is a core psychological need; essential to feeling satisfied with your life. The pleasures of social life register in our brains much the same way physical pleasure does.
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So take the time to nurture a friendship that is important to you. Make an extra effort to show you care, send a card, make a plan to have lunch, or give them a call and really listen to what they say. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Tell a story when someone asks how your day is going. Notice how you feel when you share something with someone new.