The Choice of Conscious Leadership

One of the most liberating truths in leadership, and in life, is that you always have a choice. Even in situations constrained by external forces, you can choose your perspective, attitude, and response. Viktor Frankl, reflecting on his time in a concentration camp, famously wrote that while everything could be taken from a person, the ability to choose their attitude in any situation could not.  

So why do you sometimes feel powerless? Why do you say, “I had no choice”? It’s often a clever trick you play on yourself to dodge responsibility. Pretending choice doesn’t exist might offer temporary relief, but it robs you of agency and growth. The truth is, acknowledging choice, even when it feels limited, places you back in the driver’s seat.

Choice begins with self-awareness. Without it, you’re at the mercy of your patterns and distortions. These reactions, old habits, and ghosts of past experiences could include:  

• Defences: Reacting to protect ourselves rather than engaging openly

• Defaults: Falling back on the way we’ve always done things, even if they no longer serve us

• Stories: Reliving unhelpful narratives that cloud our judgement

Becoming present to these patterns is step one in reclaiming choice. Self-awareness helps you pause, examine your thoughts and emotions, and decide if they’re aligned with the outcomes you want. It’s the foundation of conscious leadership - moving beyond autopilot to intentional action.

Your ability to make effective choices is deeply tied to your level of resourcefulness. When you feel stuck or limited, it’s often because you lack options, or the ability to see them. Resourcefulness expands your field of vision, offering more ways to relate, communicate, and solve problems.  

Here are some ways to boost resourcefulness:  

1. Cultivate curiosity: Ask yourself, “What’s another way to see this?” or “What haven’t I considered yet?”

2. Engage others: Seek input from colleagues, mentors, or even those with opposing views.  

3. Learn continuously: Building new skills and perspectives equips you with more tools for decision-making.

4. Reframe challenges: Shift from, “Why is this happening to me?” to, “What can I learn or create from this?”

5. Get a coach: The good ones are trained to help you with all of the above.

With increased resourcefulness, choices multiply. You gain flexibility not only in action but also in how you relate to yourself and others.

In leadership, choice is most impactful when anchored to outcomes. Every decision, large or small, should connect to the question: “What do I want to happen?” This clarity transforms choice into intention, aligning actions with desired results.  

But leadership choices are rarely straightforward. They involve weighing trade-offs, considering impacts, and navigating uncertainty. A conscious leader embraces this complexity by:

• Slowing down: Avoid rushing decisions; instead, pause to reflect on what truly matters

• Engaging stakeholders: Include others in the conversation to co-create better outcomes

• Balancing head and heart: Use logic and empathy to guide choices

When leaders make choices with intention, they inspire confidence and create alignment, even in uncertain circumstances.

Choice without action is merely a thought. To lead effectively, choices must translate into intentional responses. This requires both clarity and courage. Clarity about what needs to happen, and courage to take steps toward it, even when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable.  

Consider these questions before acting:  

• What outcome am I aiming for?  

• What steps will guide this forward?  

• How can I support others to join me in this effort?  

Action rooted in thoughtful choice not only creates progress but also builds trust and momentum within a team. It signals that you’re not just reacting to circumstances - you’re shaping them.

At its core, conscious leadership is about choosing to be present. It’s about managing your inner world (your defences, defaults and stories), so that you can show up fully for others. When leaders move from a reactive to a responsive state, they model intentionality, inspire confidence, and unlock collective potential.  

The journey isn’t always smooth, but it’s worth it. By embracing the power of choice, you can navigate challenges with clarity, build relationships with authenticity, and lead with purpose.  

Choice is always available, even when it doesn’t feel that way. It’s a tool, a responsibility, and a privilege. As leaders, we owe it to ourselves and those we serve to exercise this power with care and intention.  

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I have no choice,” pause. Consider your options, however limited they may seem. Expand your resourcefulness, align with your desired outcomes, and act with purpose. Because in the end, leadership is a series of choices - yours to make.