I was talking with a colleague the other day about what is needed in the corporate world at a time when we are surrounded by reports of the war, the casualties of war, and retaliation plans from nations and people who oppose the actions of the United States. People are impacted by the war, whether they watch the news, listen to NPR, or not. The chaos and upheaval is felt all around us.

My friend said, "Many leaders have given up on their hearts as their 'compass' and are trying to 'figure things out,' rather than leading with the courage of their hearts. Corporations are forgetting that their people are people, with dreams and hearts too, and these people need to be valued and cared for openly." She further stated, "I believe leaders need to be reminded of what it is to lead with heart and to bring heart into organizations so their people can flourish. Creating environments where others thrive is what we need."

I loved hearing her words, not only because it echoes my own perception of what is needed, but because it stirs me to find a way to bring this message to leaders I serve and inspire them to rely on their heart intelligence. The challenge that leaders face is how to truly care for their people and simultaneously keep them focused on the business agenda that needs to be furthered.

In Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer's book, From Chaos to Coherence, they talk about 'Dynamic Balance.' They wrote,

"Balance is a dynamic state of maximum flexibility, not a bland unproductive state of mediocrity. Balance requires moment-by-moment recalibration to changing conditions, attitudes, and opportunities. Balance is unique for each person. True balance means internal distortion is minimized so your full intelligence is maximized. A high-wire artist is a prime example of balance in the midst of adventure and risk."

This is precisely where we are in the corporate setting todayin the midst of adventure and risk. We need to find ways to optimize the adventure and survive the risk.

Optimizing the Adventure

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Precisely the way for us to look at it too. After all, adventure has a reputation of being fun. Adventure can also pose danger, cause serious change, and be unpredictable. So hang on, and focus on the following tenets that will guide you to optimize the vitality of the adventure.

• Notice the things that connect us to one another. It's too easy in the face of political unrest to disagree, argue, and escalate discussions into full-blown hostility. Don't let your emotional management fly out the window. Pause, breathe in a relaxed manner, and keep things in perspective. Draw upon your awareness of what brings you and your colleagues together for a common purpose. With that securely in mind and heart, express your views from a place of neutral—realizing there is no right or wrong.

• Speak up about how things feel. Use authentic, eloquent communication to elevate discussions to a level of clarity and resonance. This is what makes people excited about being a part of a company, when they feel they can ask candid questions and express open views without fear of being put down. Support people when they speak up—this is what makes the adventure rich and exciting.

• Listen with patience. Allow whomever is speaking to be heard fully. Focus on caring for the speaker while you listen to them, rather than on formulating what you're going to say next. Listen to learn their perspective, rather than to make a point.