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).

Leadership and martial arts: a new (and fun) approach to management development

What happens when a leadership trainer meets a martial artist? They develop a leadership seminar that is based on the combination between martial arts principles and leadership techniques!

You are in management but have never dreamed of practicing martial arts?

You are looking to experience a new and fresh kind of leadership workshop?

You want to learn about ways to deal with difficult situations and people with more ease and efficiency?

Then our approach might be for you! 

The workshop Chaos to Kata: Leading with Focus & Flexibility has been designed for non-martial artists in mind. It does not require any martial arts background/experience/equipment nor particular athleticism.

Martial Arts for Managers - Why?

Maintaining leadership presence and composure when handling difficult situations and people is a key quality of today’s executives, managers and supervisors. Based on martial arts principles, this workshop teaches leaders how to act and react with focus and flexibility in stressful, intense, chaotic and conflict-filled situations.

What will you learn?

Using the power of simple martial arts physical practice managers learn how to create a mindset high in attentiveness and focus but free of preconceptions, leading to better decisions and maximizing leadership impact.

Participants learn…

    … and learn and practice specific tactics you can use in any situation to remain calm and focused

    … how to deal proactively and fearlessly with difficult situations and people

    … how to remain calm and mindful when dealing with adversity

Benefits for leaders and managers: 

• Establish a leadership presence of calm authority
• Prevent burnout by reducing levels of stress and apprehension
• Maintain a mindset of Focus & Flexibility for effective and positive leadership
• Make the best decisions and take effective action in difficult situations.

What will you do? (apart from sitting very little) 

• Move, experience, watch, practice, analyze 

• Meet others and learn from their experience 

• Take away a ground breaking new idea of leading and     

           managing 

     What do people say about it?

“I was fortunate to participate in the workshop about Leadership & Martial Arts in the summer 2012. It was a very engaging experience that I have kept reflecting on and putting into practice until today. It combines references to real life situations (managing people and communication) while experimenting body motions and body language in the context of martial arts exercises. This approach gave me a new understanding on how to act and react in the presence of a conflict.”   Nicolas L., Aerospace Engineer

“The Leadership & Martial Arts workshop was very interesting to me and gave me a different perspective for facing complicated and unexpected situations not only at work but also in everyday life. In my opinion, the idea of "mushin" and this novel approach integrating martial arts and mindfulness with leadership skills is very helpful for building great and productive leadership relationships.”  Ernest N., MD

“During the exercises I realized the radical error that I had made in my communication with others: fighting instead of evasion and withdrawal. Since I withdraw from conflict situations, my work as life coach and my relationship with my husband has become calmer and with less conflict.”  Maria Louise Z. , Business Mediator

How can it be experienced?

• As a supplement to training events 

• In combination to other management  skills  training

• As a team building event

• As part of a leadership retreat

• ... or simply as a mind-opening and fun part of any employee training endeavor 

Who can I contact? 

To learn more or to book a workshop please contact Andrea Derler at andrea.derler@gmail.com or Nicklaus Suino at nick@nsgroupllc.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!