Book Summary: The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
In The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, authors Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp present a robust framework for shifting from reactive, ego-driven leadership to a more intentional, self-aware approach. The book argues that most leaders operate below the line, are defensive, resistant to feedback, and focused on proving themselves right. Conscious leaders, on the other hand, function above the line, where they take full responsibility, remain curious and lead with integrity. The authors propose 15 commitments that help leaders cultivate a mindset that fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term success.
One of the book's core concepts is that leadership is not just about what you do but about who you are in each moment. By recognizing when you are below the line and shifting above it, you can create a culture of conscious leadership that inspires and empowers others. The book is structured around these 15 commitments, each designed to help leaders develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a more positive influence in their organizations and personal lives.
The Line: Above vs. Below the Line Thinking
A central concept in the book is the metaphor of the line. Leaders are either above or below the line at any given moment. When leaders are below the line, they operate from a place of fear, blame, and defensiveness. They resist feedback, justify their actions, and see the world through a lens of scarcity and competition. This type of leadership often creates toxic workplaces where mistrust, stress, and disengagement flourish.
Leaders who are above the line embrace openness, curiosity, and accountability. They take responsibility for their actions, actively seek diverse perspectives, and focus on learning rather than being right. Above-the-line leadership fosters collaboration, psychological safety, and innovation. The key to conscious leadership is not always being above the line—it’s about recognizing when you’re below the line and making a conscious choice to shift.
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
1. Take Radical Responsibility
Conscious leaders take full ownership of their circumstances rather than blaming others or external factors. Instead of seeing themselves as victims of their environment, they ask, “How did I contribute to this situation?” By taking radical responsibility, they empower themselves to make meaningful changes instead of waiting for external conditions to improve. This shift from blame to ownership leads to proactive problem-solving and more decisive leadership.
2. Learn Through Curiosity
Most people desire to be correct, often leading to defensiveness and closed-mindedness. Conscious leaders replace judgment with curiosity. They listen deeply, ask questions, and seek to understand different perspectives before jumping to conclusions. They foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement by staying open to new ideas and feedback.
3. Feel All Feelings
Emotions are vital to leadership, yet many leaders suppress their feelings out of fear of appearing weak. Conscious leaders embrace their emotions and allow themselves to experience them fully. They healthily process these emotions instead of ignoring stress, frustration, or sadness. This emotional intelligence enables them to lead with greater clarity, empathy, and authenticity.
4. Speak Candidly
Honest communication is a cornerstone of conscious leadership. Many workplace issues arise from unspoken concerns, passive-aggressive behavior, or indirect communication. Conscious leaders practice radical candor by expressing their thoughts openly while maintaining respect for others. This direct and transparent communication builds trust and prevents misunderstandings.
5. Eliminate Gossip
Gossip is one of the most toxic elements in any workplace. It erodes trust, damages relationships, and creates a culture of negativity. Conscious leaders refuse to engage in or tolerate gossip. Instead, they encourage direct conversations between individuals and foster a culture of honesty and respect. When team members have concerns, they are encouraged to address them with the person involved rather than discussing them behind their backs.
6. Practice Integrity
Integrity means aligning actions with values. Conscious leaders do what they say they will and follow through on commitments. They are honest, reliable, and consistent in their actions, which builds trust and credibility. They own up to them when they make mistakes rather than making excuses. Living with integrity ensures that leaders remain authentic and set a strong example for their teams.
7. Generate Appreciation
Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, conscious leaders cultivate a mindset of appreciation. They actively recognize and express gratitude for the contributions of others. Research shows that employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, motivated, and productive. By regularly acknowledging the positive aspects of their team members and their work, leaders create an environment of trust and positivity.
8. Excel in Your Zone of Genius
Many leaders spend too much time working in areas where they are merely competent rather than focusing on their unique strengths and passions. Conscious leaders identify their Zone of Genius—where they thrive and bring the most value—and delegate tasks outside this zone. This allows them to operate at their highest potential while empowering others to take ownership of tasks that align with their strengths.
9. Live a Life of Play and Rest
Conscious leaders recognize the importance of balance. They integrate play, creativity, and rest into their daily lives rather than constantly pushing themselves to exhaustion. Taking time for relaxation and fun leads to higher energy levels, greater creativity, and long-term sustainability in leadership. Instead of glorifying overwork, they model healthy work-life integration for their teams.
10. Explore Opposing Views
Instead of rigidly defending their beliefs, conscious leaders seek different perspectives. They engage in thoughtful dialogue with people who hold opposing viewpoints, which broadens their understanding and helps them make better decisions. This ability to remain open-minded and adaptable is a key trait of successful leaders.
11. Source Approval, Control, and Security Internally
Many leaders seek validation, control, or security from external sources, which makes them reactive and dependent on outside circumstances. Conscious leaders develop internal confidence and self-trust. They do not rely on approval from others to feel worthy, nor do they try to control everything around them. By sourcing security from within, they lead with greater calmness and resilience.
12. Recognize That the World Reflects Your Consciousness
The way leaders perceive the world is often a reflection of their internal state. If they see challenges as obstacles, they will experience resistance. If they see challenges as opportunities for growth, they will find creative solutions. Conscious leaders take responsibility for their mindset and shift their perspective to create more positive outcomes.
13. See Everyone as an Ally
Rather than viewing people as threats or competitors, conscious leaders see others as allies. They approach relationships with trust and collaboration rather than suspicion and defensiveness. This mindset fosters stronger connections and helps create win-win solutions.
14. Create Win-for-All Solutions
Conscious leaders do not focus solely on their success or that of their organization. They seek solutions that benefit all stakeholders—employees, customers, and the broader community. They build sustainable and ethical businesses by focusing on long-term, mutually beneficial outcomes.
15. Be the Resolution
Instead of waiting for change, conscious leaders embody the change they want to see. They take initiative, model the behaviors they expect from others, and lead by example. When they see problems, they don’t just complain—they take action to create solutions.
Conclusion
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership offer a roadmap for developing greater self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity as a leader. By shifting from blame to responsibility, from fear to curiosity, and from scarcity to abundance, leaders can transform their organizations and personal lives. Conscious leadership is not about perfection—it’s about continuous growth and the willingness to recognize when you are below the line and consciously shift above it.
Practical Guide: How to Apply These Commitments
Step 1: Awareness – Where Are You Operating From?
- Throughout the day, ask yourself: “Am I above or below the line right now?”
- Notice when you feel defensive, resistant, or reactive.
Step 2: Shift Above the Line
- If you are below the line, pause and take a deep breath.
- Ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?”
- Take responsibility and refocus on solutions.
Step 3: Implement Daily Practices
- Morning Check-In: Set an intention to lead consciously for the day.
- Feedback Reflection: At the end of the day, reflect on moments where you upheld or violated the 15 commitments.
- Conscious Communication: Practice speaking candidly, eliminating gossip, and generating appreciation in your interactions.
Author Bio: Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp
- Jim Dethmer is a leadership coach and co-founder of The Conscious Leadership Group, working with Fortune 500 leaders and executives.
- Diana Chapman is an advisor and coach specializing in conscious leadership for business transformation.
- Kaley Klemp is an expert in leadership development, specializing in the Enneagram and team dynamics.
They have helped organizations like Google, Apple, and Salesforce cultivate conscious leadership practices.