Lexington, KY - Pop quiz: how is leadership related to quantum mechanics, the underlying atomic principles of our universe? While this relationship may seem esoteric, I would like to discuss the nature of the association and how leaders can utilize it to manifest change.
The field
Eminent psychologist Carl Jung spent a large part of his career writing and speaking of what he called the collective unconscious. Jung's view was that our psyche actually contains two major components - - a personal conscious which can be explained by our temperament and past experiences, and an inherited, hidden component which is common to all individuals: the collective unconscious.
The personal conscious explains our everyday behaviors and reactions to events around us. It is something we can understand, study, and relate to on a conscious level. The collective unconscious, however, operates from a deeper level. It is something that comes from deep within us and may be considered part of our DNA, although it was originally generated by our "tribe," or those in our lineage. This is the region of our psyche that provides a "gut reaction" or a "felt sense."
Meanwhile, physicists of the 20th century discovered that much of the universe can be explained using the analogy of a matrix or hologram. For example, it is well understood that memories in our brain are stored in holograms. A hologram consists of dispersed points of light or energy that coalesce into a vivid three-dimensional image. In the same fashion, a memory is stored in our brain at scattered points and brought into sharp focus when we choose to recall the memory.
Leading from the field
Leadership operates in the same fashion. An exceptional leader will gather concepts from this field we are immersed in, focus them into a crystal clear, inspirational vision, which they then ripple back out into the matrix, stimulating people to action. The leader's energy will galvanize physically, emotionally and culturally dispersed workers to move on a common path toward common goals. As the leader's vision and style become ingrained in followers, it eventually becomes unconscious and almost reflexive, as in Jung's collective unconscious, which is a field of sorts.
Using this paradigm, we can assess individual leaders and the field that they create. For example, we can evaluate how large and what type of field a leader generates. Let's look at a few local examples.
Local leaders
Dr. Lee Todd, president of the University of Kentucky, is able to craft a solid, inspiring vision and then communicate this message widely. He is always looking forward, creating a field of energy around his Top 20 vision, attracting individuals to buy into it. They, in turn, expend their energy toward the common goal, energizing the field even further, incrementally progressing forward. While Dr. Todd's field may be anchored in our state as he strives to give back to the Commonwealth, his influence is prominently felt on a national level.
Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, understands the value of creating a broad, yet focused and aligned field. Internal to his organization, he holds conference calls each week with various teams, from researchers to sales teams around the globe to ensure all individuals are working toward the same goals in a unified manner. This strengthens the field he creates while retaining the fluidity to adjust to market or economic trends.
Alltech is also a well-known sponsor of events ranging from the local to worldwide arena. Sponsorship of the FEI Games will proliferate the Alltech name into the eyes and minds of hundreds of millions of TV and in-person viewers - - an incredibly wide field.
Your field
You might want to consider the type and size of field that you generate as a leader. Is your field large or small, inclusive or exclusive? Collaborative or dictatorial? What type of field do individuals on your team generate? Does the vision you ripple out to your team spur individuals to action?
If you are unsure of some of these facets, a diagnostic assessment known as FIRO-B (Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behaviorô) is available. This assessment measures a matrix of six elements of personality: desire and expression of control, inclusion, and affection. A leader can determine his or her level on each of the scales and team members can review their orientations, thus illuminating strengths, weaknesses, and awareness of the reason behind some of the team dynamics.
Let's return to the initial question - - how is leadership related to quantum mechanics? Most modern-day physicists accept without question the concept of entanglement where elementary particles interact with each other over a distance without any apparent connection. This concept, which Albert Einstein termed "spooky action at a distance," illustrates how energetic influences exist in the universe today and we do not have an explanation for them. In a similar fashion, your leadership can act at a distance to create a field of energy advancing toward your goals.
Joel DiGirolamo heads the firm Turbocharged Leadership (www.turbochargedleadership.com). You can contact him at joel@jdigirolamo.com.