Introduction: The Power of Diverse Influences

Leadership is inherently creative, synthesizing input from varied sources. By integrating diverse influences and methodologies, leaders can transcend traditional boundaries and create more innovative and effective strategies. Historical mentors like Leonardo da Vinci exemplify this holistic approach to leadership, who combined technical and theoretical training with interpersonal skills and profound curiosity.

Whole-Brain Thinking: Learning from Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci is a model for whole-brain thinking. He was not just an artist; he had diverse life experiences and many skills. Leonardo combined technical and theoretical training with interpersonal skills, profound curiosity, and interests in various subjects. This holistic approach to learning and thinking is something every leader should aspire to. By integrating diverse influences, leaders can create more innovative and effective strategies.

Integrating Diverse Influences into Leadership

Just as da Vinci integrated diverse skills and experiences into his work, leaders must also draw from various influences. This holistic approach allows for developing a well-rounded and dynamic leadership style. It involves synthesizing information from different fields and integrating it into a cohesive strategy, like how an artist layers colors and textures to create depth and dimension in a painting.

Practical Steps for Whole-Brain Thinking

1. Seek Out Diverse Experiences:
   • Engage in activities outside your usual scope. Attend conferences, read books, and explore interests in different fields. These experiences can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
2. Encourage Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
   • Foster collaboration between different departments and disciplines within your organization. This can lead to the integration of diverse ideas and the development of more comprehensive strategies.
3. Reflect on Your Learning:
   • Reflect on what you have learned from different experiences and how you can apply them to your leadership approach. Document these reflections in a journal or sketchbook.
4. Promote Lifelong Learning:
   • Encourage continuous learning within your team. Provide opportunities for professional development and encourage team members to explore new interests and skills.

Thought Exercise: Expanding Your Leadership Layers

I propose the following thought exercise to help you apply the principles of whole-brain thinking to your leadership. Reflect on and document your responses to these questions:

1. What are your current leadership strengths?
   • Reflect on the skills and qualities that make you an effective leader. Consider how these strengths contribute to your leadership style and how you can build on them.
2. What areas do you feel need improvement?
   • Identify the areas where you could improve. This could be anything from communication skills to strategic thinking. Acknowledging these areas is the first step towards improvement.
3. How can you incorporate diverse influences into your leadership style?
   • Think about how you can draw inspiration from different sources. This could be from other industries, cultures, or disciplines. Consider how these influences can enhance your leadership approach.
4. Can you identify a recent “flash of light” that provided a new perspective or insight?
   • Reflect on a recent moment of inspiration. How did it change your perspective or approach to leadership? Document this moment and consider how to incorporate it into your leadership strategy.
5. How do you balance creativity with strategic execution in your leadership?
   • Consider how you can integrate creativity into your strategic planning and execution. Think about ways to encourage creative thinking within your team while maintaining a focus on achieving your goals.

Documenting your insights in a journal or sketchbook can help you track your progress and refine your leadership approach over time.

Conclusion: The Path to Whole-Brain Leadership

By integrating diverse influences and adopting a whole-brain approach to leadership, you can develop a more innovative and effective leadership style. This holistic approach allows you to transcend traditional boundaries and create more dynamic and comprehensive strategies. Embrace this layered approach and let it guide your leadership journey.

Call to Action:

Inspired by the wisdom of historical mentors like Leonardo da Vinci? Get “Layered Leadership” to explore how you can apply whole-brain thinking to your leadership journey.