Leading from Behind

Never before in history have, we been more educated, wealthier, and lived longer with more opportunities in life. Conversely, we have never been more stressed, anxious, depressed or lonely. In One Life, the philosopher and business executive Morten Albæk investigates this paradox and the absurdity that all of the world’s impressive socio-economic advancements have not been translated into more existential wellbeing. It is critical to understand why those of us, especially in prosperous countries with high living standards, continue to get sick, particularly due to work-related stress and poor leadership. The cure is not more ‘work-life balance’, but that we stop separating our persona into a working human being and private human being, and instead see ourselves as one human being with one life. That one life should be as meaningful as possible; it is meaning – not happiness – that is the most important basic ingredient for the sustainability of our lives, our businesses and our society.

The Conscious Effect focuses on reconnecting leaders with both their people and themselves. It awakens the awesome potential in organizations through an emotionally intelligent, people-first approach, which places employee and leadership wellbeing at its heart, and helps leaders to become more consciously aware of what's going on within and around them. If leaders take better care of themselves and their people, they will run more socially responsible businesses that can leverage the full potential of their employees. The book weaves together practical knowledge of behavioural science so that leaders understand what to do and why it works. Author: Natasha Wallace