Leading through Chaos

How do leaders behave under pressure? What do they look like, how do they behave and how do they react during chaotic work situations? All eyes are on them as situations get out of hand, stress levels increase and emotions boil over. It is how they lead others through chaos that determines the quality of decisions, outcomes and business results.

The ability to remain calm and collected, retain leadership presence and make the right decisions needs to be practiced. It requires a skill set and a mindset that combines focus on the problem at hand and yet flexibility and adaptability. It means to never lose sight of the big picture while remaining engaged with others in the here and now.

Cognitive learning concepts alone are limited in the way they teach the ability to lead through chaos. They focus on mental processes only and neglect physical reactions to chaos, pressure and emotional turmoil. One solution to this problem is to physically confront, handle and get comfortable with chaos and pressure through acquiring the basic skills as taught in the traditional Japanese Martial Arts. Learning how to stand, sit, look and breathe through Chaos is only the beginning. Getting familiar with being 'under attack' and exploring one's natural reaction is another; learning a highly effective prescribed way of managing or leading others through chaotic situations – the Leadership Kata – is the main goal. (photos: Chaos to Kata @ University of Michigan School of Social Work, 2014):

Applying the physical and cognitive process to handling chaos to real-world work situations, practicing and being coached through the process is the ultimate objective.Chaos to Kata is a concept developed in cooperation of a highly recognized Martial Artist, and a Leadership Consultant.

It is an experiential leadership workshop and coaching concept that has changed the lives of hundreds of people so far providing the concept and application of the Leadership Kata to chaotic work situations.

Leaders and top executives who are looking for a unique approach to leading others through the daily work chaos, who want to improve their leadership presence and decrease their stress levels are encouraged to attend. For more information on leadership workshops and training seminars, leadership retreat ideas or consulting services of a different kind, please visit www.chaos2kata.com.

An ancient martial arts approach to modern leadership challenges

This is what people say about our workshop: "Chaos to Kata: Leading with Focus & Flexibility" "Super Amazing & Wonderful experience!!" "Loved the experiential format" "Excellent transition between kata and the nature of work and/or professional work." "The doing portions were fantastic. It was well presented and engaging. I am interested in hearing more about creating mushin." "Really enjoyed the connection between mind, body and experience" "I loved this experience and feel it will vastly change future interactions with clients. I appreciated that you didn't "tell" us what to experience but forced us to what actions and reactions mean on our own." "I enjoyed the combination of lecture and "physical" activity combined as it assisted with the retention of the material" "Very fun and interactive workshop. Enjoyed the examples and then getting to practice." "It was helpful to engage with the material in various ways - talking, listening, watching and doing." Martial Arts for Leaders? Here is Why and How:

For those in stressful job roles, dealing with  the challenges of interacting with needful clients, co-workers and employees can lead to burnout,  anxiety and a loss of meaning at work. Existing role stereotypes can also encourage perceptual bias and tunnel vision, preventing leadership effectiveness and quality work relationships.  The fresh approach taken in this workshop teaches 1) a simple yet powerful set of physical and mental activities that enables increased mindfulness and of ones’ own reactions and  2) a practical kata (process)that helps to act and react with both focus, flexibility calm authority in challenging situations. Based on a mind and body movement approach, the workshop is derived from principles of Japanese martial arts that reinforce current management research about mindfulness and body language. As an active participant, you will learn how to effectively deal with intense, chaotic and conflict-filled situations by applying a mindset free of preconceptions, yet high in awareness and attention to the situation at hand. In a safe and friendly environment, you will develop and practice a leadership kata which can be applied in a wide variety of situations, improve relationships and reduce the perception of stress. All persons in business leadership positions, as well as healthcare and non-healthcare positions are encouraged to register and attend. To sign up for this unique leadership workshop at the Washtenaw Community College please click here. Social Workers can get 4 contact hours as approved by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Facilitators: Nicklaus Suino, JD, is an author, certified martial arts instructor, has taught martial arts since 1986 and consulted for businesses since 1998.  Andrea Derler, MA, has trained and coached leaders in local and international settings since 2006. She is currently writing her PhD dissertation in Economics (Leadership & Organization).

From Chaos to Kata: Leading with Focus and Flexibility

Our new half-day workshop offers a kinesthetic approach to the development of a new leadership mindset by combining traditional Japanese martial arts principles with the foundations of leadership: Focus & Flexibility. 

Under the guidance of Nicklaus Suino and myself participants will 

- acquire a strong leadership mindset through physical movement

- get introduced to the fundamental principles of their physical stance, their strength and weakness and an efficient management of chaos and conflict

- identify and improve their personal stance in challenging situations in business and personal life

- develop & practice a physical Kata and learn how to manage and resolve chaos, conflict and intense (leadership) situations with ease

- understand the relevance of calm authority expressed through sharpened Focus on goals and increased Flexibility in personal relationships


The Must-Be event of the new year!
 
The workshops are starting in 2014, we are currently working on a website, venues and dates. If you want to learn more about the applicability of this workshop to leadership development, team building and inter-cultural relations please contact me at andrea.derler@gmail.com or Nicklaus Suino at nick@nsgroupllc.com.