ONE: The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership

Book Synopsis By: Dr. Lance H.K. Secretan

ONE: The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership is about the journey we have traveled from oneness to separateness—and how we can return to oneness, thus returning to lives based on a conscious awareness that we are part of one story, one planet and one cosmic system, to a belief that everything and all of us are separate. This is how we become Conscious Leaders.

More than at any time in our history, we are witness to a world struggling from the fallout of inappropriate leadership decisions and actions. Dr. Secretan brilliantly reframes leadership theory with a new vision for the 21st century and in ONE, has written a book for all of us in need of inspired and inspiring leadership. ONE is about unlocking our potential as humans, all of our potential, not some of the financial or commercial parts. It is about enhancing the local and global communities we share and being gentle with each other and nature. The art and practice of Conscious Leadership can be ours when we return to oneness.

In Part 1, "The Art of Oneness", Secretan presents an incisive history of our journey, describing how we came to think in compartmentalized ways, how we can think as one again and for so many of us, find new meaning in work and leadership. 

In describing the reality of oneness, Secretan points out that, “Whenever we experience pain or sadness, it is because we have become separated from what, or whom, we love. And whenever we are inspired or joyful, it is because we are one with what, or whom, we love. All human challenges and successes can be explained through this awareness.”
Secretan uses many examples to advance his theory that there are always causes and effects—there are never actions without consequences—anywhere—because we are one.  If one throws a soda can out of the car window, one might think that this is no longer part of our world because we have moved on—but this would be wrong. If millions of others do the same, rivers will become polluted and our drinking water will be at risk. If we cheat or steal from our employees, customers or suppliers, we may think that we can get away with it, but this is a misconception as we have learned from the examples of countless industries and leaders. If we have a rancorous exchange with our spouse, it isn’t just the other party who is hurt—we are both hurt because our relationship—our oneness—is strained, and this damages our marriage, and therefore, both of us.  When we inspire a child to do something extraordinary, we change the world. We are one.

Becoming aware of the need to think, feel and act with oneness—in other words, consciously—is the easy part. In Part 2, "The Practice of Oneness", Dr. Secretan explains how to accomplish and lead from a oneness perspective by using the “CASTLE Principles”.  CASTLE is an acronym formed of the first letters of six concepts—Courage, Authenticity, Service, Truthfulness, Love and Effectiveness. When fully lived, these principles are profoundly transformative and inspiring to self and others, and have been successfully applied by thousands internationally for exceptional personal growth and organizational performance.

The CASTLE Principles have a unique history: Secretan did not discover them—they discovered him. In his consulting work and during corporate retreats, Secretan asked participants to describe the characteristics of ineffective relationships—whether at home or at work, in politics, religion, academia, relationships, and among  families and friends.  This research showed that people were typically turned off by others who were not courageous, authentic, serving, truthful, loving or effective. It made no difference whether they were a CEO, a stay-at-home Mom or an athlete. It was a small intellectual leap to conclude that living fully in the opposite of these limiting behaviors might reveal conscious leadership—and so the CASTLE Principles were born.

Courage: Being brave enough to reach beyond the boundaries created by our existing, often deeply held, limitations, fears, and beliefs. Initiating change in our lives, of any kind, is only possible when we are courageous enough to take the necessary action.

Authenticity: Committing oneself to showing up and being fully present in all aspects of life. Removing the mask and becoming a real, vulnerable, and intimate human being, a person without self-absorption who is genuine and emotionally and spiritually connected to others.

Service: Focusing on the needs of others by listening to them, identifying their needs, and meeting them. Being inspiring, rather than following a self-focused, competitive, fear-based approach.

Truthfulness: Being truthful in all thoughts, words, and actions, and listening openly to the truth of others and refusing to compromise integrity or to deny obvious or universal truths, even when avoiding the truth might, on the face of it, seem easier, especially in testing times.

Love: Embracing the underlying oneness with others and life. Relating to and inspiring others and touching their hearts in ways that add to who you both are as persons.

Effectiveness: Being capable of, and successful in, achieving the physical, material, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual goals we set in life.

What is heartening is that there is nothing new to learn here—no challenging theory or equation. These are concepts that are within us already, that at some stage in our lives have been fully lived at least once, but, for many, have been lost, and now, we yearn to reclaim them. The exercises and processes throughout the book are simple: recall when you were at your personal best and live at this peak again.

ONE: The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership is essential reading for those who yearn for innovative ideas about leading and living consciously in ways that will inspire and transform people, organizations, and the world.