Credit: Helga Birna Jonasdottir
When a yoga teacher takes her place at the front of the room for the first time, something changes. She’s no longer among the rows of bodies practicing together. She becomes something new. Something different. She becomes a spiritual leader.
Intuitively, you know that stepping into a leadership role is a different animal. That’s one of the main reasons leaders get paid. They are in a position to have an impact in more people’s lives and get compensated for taking time to do that skillfully.
Why Spiritual People Shrink From Visibility
Most spiritual traditions have strong teachings about the dangers of unrestrained egos. 12 step programs say that ego stands for “easing god out”. And many spiritual people have experienced what happens when a leader’s ego starts running the show. Not pretty!
Another issue that can come with becoming a leader is what the Buddhists call “cycles of praise and blame. ” In other words, your students or clients can cycle from “your work is SO awesome” to “you blew it”. And back again. Repeatedly. It’s not an easily balance to hold ..
Combine the messages spiritual people get about not letting your ego run the show with the intuitive understanding that visibility can bring more praise and blame cycles, and no wonder many spiritual entrepreneurs shrink away from the whole visibility thing.
The problem with avoiding it is that it tends to keep you struggling. So what can a spiritual entrepreneur that wants to be successful but is concerned about the challenges that come with more business visibility do?
3 Keys to Staying Centered As Your Visibility Increases
You don’t have to get stuck in a push/pull dynamic with visibility. It’s possible to maintain your integrity while deliberately building your business visibility. Here are three tips that can help you:
1) Stay human. Several months ago, I blew it. I had an interview on a popular radio show. I put the time wrong in my schedule and at show time, I was in session. As soon my mistake become clear, I contacted the hosts and apologized. One of the blessings of the conscious business movement is that it gives us permission to be human. Don’t let anyone’s perfectionism – especially your own – keep you from this. It’s a great antidote to unreasonable expectations and ego traps.
2) Create honest connections with other spiritual leaders. Being a spiritual leader comes with a unique set of challenges. Find people who are also leaders – preferably at least as visible as you are – and create honest relationships with them. They can help you be skillful with the issues that come with more business visibility. Isolated leaders tend to get off center because sorting through growing numbers of expectations becomes too much for one person.
3) Be real in your marketing. Don’t exaggerate what your business can deliver. If it takes your clients 6 months to make the desired changes, say so. At the same time, it’s certainly OK to positively frame the truth. For example, talk about the incredible support you provide during the change process and how good it feels when your clients pass key milestones.
What’s your experience with staying centered while you increase visibility in your business? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the form of a comment below.
I'm a wisdom motivated coach who helps spiritual entrepreneurs grow their businesses with integrity and ease. My approach combines innovative tools to help you connect with and language your wisdom and then share it using proven conscious business and relationship marketing practices.
I like the idea that you provide support during the change process and how it helps bring satisfaction when a client achieves those milestones.
In essence, most service based companies are consultants that are trying to present a solution to their clients problems.
Clients definitely need to hear that more often to give reassurance to them that consultants are working in their best interests.
David,
“Most service based companies are consultants that are trying to present a solution to their clients problems.” Thanks for sharing your wonderful wisdom here David. I agree 100%. And one thing visibility does – if we do it skillfully – is give more people a sense that we CARE about their problems and might be able to help. It’s when the relationship is based on empathy instead of getting their money that we truly start to leave the world of ego and begin enter the world of love and service in business.
Really appreciate getting to know you a bit better David!
Paul
What a helpful and honest article, Paul. I very much resonate with your point of staying human and as humans we are bound to making mistakes. Gary Craig called it stubbing your toes. By the way Byron Katie is convinced that there are no mistakes. When I can fully accept that I am not perfect and that I simply do the best I can even as a leader I can let go and enjoy the moment so much more.
I like to add that it is tremendously helpful to have a spiritual practice of some sort to keep the ego in check. My ego seems to be quite cunning.
Hi Gudrun,
Thanks for your kind words and wise sharing!
“As humans we are bound to making mistakes.” Ain’t that the truth. I’ve made my fair share. The thing is that many practitioners/coaches/healers slip into unconscious perfectionistic expectations around all this. And when that happens, it often squashes their ability to genuinely connect with others and share their passion.
I also love your insight about having a spiritual practice. Absolutely agree!
With much appreciation, Paul