The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
by Jim Dethmer
Key Concepts
Above/Below Line
Leaders choose to operate from curiosity and openness (above the line) or defensiveness and blame (below the line).
Radical Responsibility
Take 100% responsibility for your experience, choices, and outcomes, eliminating blame.
Curiosity Over Certainty
Embrace a mindset of genuine inquiry and learning, rather than needing to be right.
Feel All Feelings
Allow and fully experience all emotions, recognizing them as valuable data, not obstacles.
Integrity & Authenticity
Align your words, actions, and intentions to build trust and lead genuinely.
Action Items
Identify when you are 'below the line' and consciously shift to curiosity.
Practice taking 100% responsibility for your reactions and results, even in challenging situations.
Ask 'What else is true?' to challenge your own certainties and open to new perspectives.
Consciously feel and process difficult emotions instead of suppressing or reacting from them.
Keep your agreements and communicate clearly when you cannot, building trust and integrity.
Core Thesis
True leadership emerges from a conscious commitment to radical responsibility, openness, and curiosity, transforming both self and organization.
Mindset Shift
The biggest shift is realizing that true leadership is an inside job, requiring profound self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth over external control.