Leadership and Consciousness

Grayeb, a business leader who has held management positions at major pharmaceutical companies, writes effortlessly and eloquently about the need for today’s leaders to be fully aware and socially conscious.

Consider this a leadership book with a lot of soul. In crisp, instructive text supported by pertinent examples from the workplace, Grayeb describes “an integrated leadership model” consisting of three “Rings of Conscious Leadership”—self-awareness, team-awareness and community-awareness. Grayeb proceeds to skillfully explain each, layering his strong, simple prose with a dose of insight borne of experience and his own introspection. About self-awareness, for example, he writes that leading with consciousness demands purpose, but it also “requires that we focus on what we have (the present) instead of being distracted by an illusion of something we cannot act on anymore (the past) or control (the future).” When it comes to leading a team, Grayeb advocates a “conscious culture” that “instills in [members] the will to lead themselves by finding their own purposes.” As for community, the third ring, Grayeb sees a higher purpose for business than profit alone: “A conscious business is then made of people who are fully aware of the impact their actions have…who manage to consciously balance business with social impact.” In closing, Grayeb suggests that a leader’s change must come from within: “Let’s make our mark, starting with ourselves, then with our work colleagues, then with the companies we work in, and then with the communities we interact with.” This is heady stuff written at a higher level and with a greater good in mind. As such, it is well beyond the typical how-to-lead boundary of most similar books. In about 100 pages, the author delves deeply into the broader meaning of leadership, intertwining business and personal development in a timely discussion that will resonate with thoughtful leaders.

Well-reasoned, articulate and succinct, with a refreshing morality and a true sense of the value of self-worth.