The transition from military service to civilian life can be both exhilarating and daunting. We’ve dedicated years and missed many precious moments while serving the country, developing a strong sense of duty to our units and each other, honor toward the values supporting that which we defend, and leadership among our peers and colleagues across a cross-section of agencies. Now, you're exploring a new landscape coupled with unfamiliar routines, career paths, and social dynamics. For many veterans or people in transition, the challenges during a reorganization can be high. Some challenges include changing jobs or roles, reintegrating into a civilian community or neighborhood, and reorienting oneself and one’s family toward a renewed sense of purpose beyond previous experiences and military service. It's definitely a period of self-discovery, exploration, and personal and professional development. And while it can require one’s full attention, the good news is that much of those past skills and knowledge gained and in military service are more valuable than ever. Consider, you’re disciplined, dedicated, and resourceful; these advantages will ensure you smoothly transcend into your new chapter. This post looks at how the principles we gained of servant leadership, authentic leadership, and Aparigraha (a yogic concept of non-attachment) empower you, facilitating purpose, self-actualization, and accomplishment post-transition. Internal Leadership: Following Your Choices with Aparigraha Effective leadership begins with self-leadership. Granted, the military instilled and stressed many mundane aspects to living within that environment. Those tasks were important skill-building roles for the demanding opportunities that were to come later as we progressed in rank and position. The cumulative effect of those tasks confirmed the importance of discipline, responsibility, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The time has now arrived for you to consider your community and yourself as you apply those skills to deliver your future, your higher self now:
Leading Authentically through Integrity and Purpose Authentic leadership is all about you. It's about your leading yourself using your true self. There’s nothing gimmicky in this because you’ll be leveraging and capitalizing on your strengths, experiences, and values. It’s nothing more than what you’re capable of: Inspiring and connecting with others. Let’s explore a few methods to cultivate authentic leadership: Liberate LIMFACS: Your dedicated service played a significant part of your identity. But it doesn't entirely define you going forward unless you want it to. Equally, it doesn't command nor order your future. Embrace the unique skills and experiences you acquired while discovering and promoting new facets of yourself. Being called by a military title is unique when measured against the whole of society, and that uniqueness has personal and professional salience because it required disciplined effort to attain. Yet, outside of the military or government setting, its uniqueness suffers because the title is tied to a hierarchy you now have power to transcend at will. This parallels Aparigraha because of the letting go, the release from the limitation of your identity being coupled to military service. You are on your own terms. Vulnerability as a New Strength: Don't hesitate to share your story of transition. (I’ll be the first one to admit that I am.) And I know many veterans face similar challenges. But I also know that sharing experiences fosters connections with others, and may possibly inspire them on their own journeys. This vulnerability becomes a form of authentic leadership, a means of paying ‘it forward.’ Our individual and collective vulnerability, wearing ‘it’ on our sleeves gives witness as relatable, liberating limitations, attachments and perceptions to a perfect or stoic image (Aparigraha). Value-Driven Decision Making: Live your values in every aspect of your life. This is challenging, no doubt. But, over time, every decision (no matter how significant) not only builds external trust and respect with others, but more critically with yourself as you flex your values. Others witness your evolution as you embody and personify the values you carefully cultivate. Your steadfast commitment to personal integrity and service will externally signal to your community highlighting your authentic leadership style. Others Before Self: As many of us can attest, servant leadership emphasizes the needs and growth of others. Due to this external approach and perspective, servant leadership reinforces and aligns with the meaning of service many veterans possess. So, let’s move to the drill pad to consider a few ways to integrate servant leadership principles:
Aparigraha: Letting Go for Growth I realize that we’ve only taken a cursory view of Aparigraha. However, here in this section we'll look a bit deeper into this yogic philosophy. Loosely, but approximately close, Aparigraha means non-attachment or non-possession. This non-attachment or non-possession can be applied to an extensive array of tangible and intangible connections. From a book, to a feeling, to a memory or thought Aparigraha holds salience through letting go, giving it back ‘to the universe’ so to speak. This giving back or letting go of unnecessary or previous attachments, is helpful as some of those attachments may no longer be helpful or relevant, some may have hindered personal growth. This aspect of change facilitates innovation, not just of a product, or some novel artifact, methodology, or process. On a much grander scale, and more personally profound, Aparigraha informs potential opportunities. Let’s take a look how Aparigraha may support your transition:
Beyond Ease: Scaffolding a Self-fulfilling Life The transition from military service is a significant life-impacting change, because you’ve freely given your life in the service of something bigger than self. However, it's also an fantastic occasion to realize new passions that you may have been unable to previously pursue. It’s also a time that you may opt to contribute your skills in impactful ways. With these ideas in mind, consider these additional thoughts for scaffolding a life beyond service, touched by Aparigraha:
Leading Your Way to Your Future You’ve honed a host of skills from military service – leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are invaluable assets in the civilian world. By leveraging your strengths, the principles of self-reflection, servant leadership, and Aparigraha, you’re far more capable to direct your transition with purpose, fulfilling a future you design. Embracing Aparigraha, servant leaders nurture a leadership style motivated toward empowerment, shared success, and collective well-being. This stance provides the lift over the acquisition of personal gain or validation, delivering an authentic and satisfying leadership experience. It’s not just the leader who gains. When Aparigraha is practiced multi-dimensionally servant leaders promote an environment where trust, collaboration and innovation are built and perpetuated, reinforced. Through the daily practice, teams and colleagues feel and reciprocate value, the sense of empowerment, and motivation to contribute their best selves not just for themselves, but for the good of the team (and the whole support system) they represent. This compounded synergy ultimately leads to heightened performance, increased personal and professional satisfaction, and a more positive organizational culture. The path of servant leadership fueled by Aparigraha is not without challenges. Letting go of attachment to previous roles and identities, outcomes, and recognition can be a continuous process. Bear in mind that many of those previous attachments were built over extended periods of time, becoming reinforced through habit. However, the potential rewards of letting go are significant. By integrating the principles previously touched on, leaders have the capacity to cultivate a meaningful and impactful leadership style that inspires and empowers others while fostering a thriving and successful organization. As we’ve explored Aparigraha and its servant leadership connection, we touched on its potential for a transformative approach to leading others. Through service, empowerment, and collective success, leaders promote positive and productive work environment not just for the good of themselves, but the benefit of their teams. - Sven Comments are closed.
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About VincentI'm an RYT200 applying somatic & existential approaches in personal, professional, and organizational excellence. I'm currently completing my RYT500, and from time-to-time, share ideas toward achieving the best of life. Archives
March 2024
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