Joe Spradley
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What Is Leadership?Leadership is guiding others toward the goals they already want to achieve but don’t yet know how to reach. At its heart, effective leadership is about modeling the mindset, habits, and emotional regulation you wish to share. By first mastering your own beliefs and emotions, you demonstrate a blueprint others can follow to develop more meaningful values and life patterns.
Leadership also involves helping people connect with their purpose. I believe our greatest purpose is to live in accordance with our dharma and cultivate the qualities of character. When we focus on improving these qualities, like generosity, discipline, and diligence, within ourselves, we naturally inspire others to do the same. Through this process, we all move closer to a peaceful and harmonious world.
What Is Motivation?
Motivation can be understood as the brain’s readiness to act, influenced by the expectation of success and the perceived effort required. It’s the inner call that compels us to move forward. However, awareness is crucial in maintaining healthy, purposeful motivation. Knowing why you are driven to act—as well as being conscious of your emotional landscape—provides what Buddhists call “right view,” a perspective that aligns with compassion and wisdom.
Without self-awareness, our emotions can guide us in directions that may feel rewarding in the moment but don’t necessarily serve our long-term growth or the well-being of others. By learning to lead yourself and your emotions with loving-kindness and compassion, you’ll find motivation that not only propels you forward but also supports the culture and community around you.
Once you understand the reasons behind your motivation, you can begin cultivating values and reinforcing actions that benefit both yourself and the greater good. This awareness transforms motivation from a fleeting impulse into a sustainable force that helps you—and the world—thrive.
Authentic Voice
Throughout the authentic voice exercise, I noticed that my day-to-day voice remained unchanged. This consistency likely stems from the fact that I was speaking about topics I am deeply familiar with and passionate about, allowing my natural flow to emerge effortlessly. The exercise felt more authentic overall, as I found it difficult to fabricate or monitor my speech, minimizing any superficial responses. Despite this authenticity, I initially harbored fears of saying something I might regret or appearing foolish, a common hesitation I experience even with close friends and family. Fortunately, these fears did not materialize during the exercise, which was a reassuring outcome and highlighted my ability to overcome apprehensions when speaking sincerely.
Engaging in this exercise left me feeling both comfortable and slightly on edge, akin to a rollercoaster ride. I trusted my own boundaries and felt generally safe, though there was an underlying anxiety about potential negative outcomes—a fear that fortunately did not come to pass. The positive response from Eugene, who was eager to hear more about the topic I spoke passionately about, reinforced the value of sharing authentically and encouraged me to continue this practice. I am motivated to incorporate more authentic speaking into my daily interactions, recognizing that it requires significant personal effort and self-trust. Moving forward, I aim to apply these experiences to enhance my communication in various aspects of my life, striving to move beyond surface-level responses and engage more deeply and genuinely with others. This approach is particularly important for me as I work on clearly stating my needs and setting boundaries both personally and professionally, ensuring that my interactions are respectful and true to who I am.
Reflection on the “Write Others’ Beliefs” Exercise
This week, I immersed myself in the question: “What belief would make that behavior make sense?” This inquiry led me to contemplate significant topics such as the U.S. presidential election, environmental challenges, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Identifying Others’ Beliefs
I sample of my list of beliefs that I observed in individuals and society:
1. Elon believes that immense power can lead to positive change.
2. Society believes that love triumphs over hate.
3. A majority believes in protecting abortion rights.
4. Many voting Americans believe that Trump should be president.
5. America prioritizes safety over certain liberal values.
6. My roommate believes that most people’s lives are affected by who is president.I noticed that people’s beliefs are deeply intertwined with their values and perceptions of security, freedom, and progress. The recent election highlighted how divergent beliefs can shape behaviors and decisions on a national scale, especially on issues like reproductive rights and public safety. Identifying others’ beliefs felt somewhat intrusive and uncomfortable at first, as it was challenging to infer what others might believe without projecting my own biases. However, this process opened the door to greater empathy and understanding, allowing me to see perspectives different from my own.
Since the election, I’ve experienced a surge of frustration, anger, and grief. Acknowledging these emotions has been difficult but necessary. This exercise helped me channel these feelings into a more empathetic understanding of others, even those with whom I disagree. By consistently asking what underlying belief might explain someone’s behavior, I began to develop the skill of empathetic inquiry, stepping outside of my immediate reactions. This doesn’t come easily and requires conscious effort, but it’s invaluable for meaningful communication and relationships.
SIDCHA
Inspired by my classmates’ focus on mindfulness practices, I’ve decided to deepen my own daily spiritual routine. After reflection, I’ve chosen a SIDCHA that aligns with my Buddhist practice.
• My direction: Mindfulness and spiritual growth
• My activity: Take Refuge while making 3 prostrations and inspiring Bodhicitta aspiration
• How many per day: Once at the start of the day
*I am committing to a SIDCHA in mindfulness. Every day for the rest of my life, I will Take Refuge and cultivate motivation.*
By the power of this compassionate practice may suffering be transformed into peace. May the hearts of all beings be opened and their wisdom radiate from within.
Personal Essay
Lately, I’ve been grappling with a lack of motivation and an overwhelming sense of frustration. I initially hoped that the Initiative course would help me focus, but instead, my dreams have continued to multiply, leaving me feeling scattered and unsure of my direction. I recognize that to move forward, I need to confront these feelings head-on and develop the discipline to manage my ambitions effectively.
My experiences leading digital production teams have been a mixed bag of successes and failures. While there have been rewarding moments of collaboration and innovation, I’ve also faced challenges that stemmed from my own shortcomings as a leader. I’ve realized that my tendency to take on too much responsibility and my struggle to show understanding effectively have hindered both my personal growth and my teams’ success. These painful lessons have motivated me to delve deeper into understanding what it truly means to lead with compassion and wisdom.
I believe that leadership is not just about directing others but about connecting with them on a human level. Compassion allows a leader to understand the needs and struggles of their team, while wisdom provides the insight to make sound decisions. Influenced by role models like Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and Barack Obama, I aspire to lead by putting the well-being of the team first, fostering trust, and creating a safe environment for collaboration.
Looking back on my history with leadership, I recognize that the failures, though difficult to revisit, have been invaluable learning opportunities. Projects that fell apart due to miscommunication or lack of focus highlight the areas where I need to grow. Conversely, the successes remind me of the potential impact of effective leadership. By embracing these experiences, both good and bad, I aim to transform my approach and apply my leadership skills more effectively in leading companies.
Engaging in this reflective process has been both challenging and enlightening. It forces me to confront the pain and frustration I’ve been feeling. I also acknowledge having so many options is a privilege. By improving my self-discipline and leadership abilities, I hope to turn these challenges into opportunities for growing into the leader I want to be.
Personal Essay 10/27/24
What motivated me to take the course and do the exercises in the book?
Honestly, I am currently lacking a bit of motivation and experiencing a sense of overwhelm. I had hoped that the Initiative course would help me focus, but instead, my dreams have continued to multiply, leaving me feeling scattered. Despite this, I recognize that I need guidance to navigate this period of uncertainty. That’s what motivated me to take this leadership course and commit to doing the exercises. I believe that by engaging with the material and reflecting deeply, I can find the clarity and direction I need to move forward effectively.
What do I expect to gain from the experience?
I want to lead myself better. I expect that through this experience, I will develop the skills and discipline necessary to manage my actions and decisions more effectively. By improving my self-leadership, I hope to gain clarity on my goals and reduce the overwhelm that comes from chasing too many dreams at once.
What motivated me to pursue leading in general?
I’ve led teams in digital production with a mixed bag of success. These experiences have shown me both the rewards and challenges of leadership. On one hand, there’s immense satisfaction in bringing a project to life and seeing the positive impact it can have. On the other hand, I’ve faced difficulties in team dynamics. These contrasting outcomes have motivated me to delve deeper into leadership practices—to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how I can improve. I aspire to be a leader who not only drives projects forward but also fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.
What do I think about leadership?
I believe that compassion and wisdom are some of the most significant qualities a leader can possess. Leadership isn’t just about directing others; it’s about understanding their needs, empathizing with their struggles, and guiding them with insight and foresight. A compassionate leader creates a safe space for team members to express ideas and concerns, while wisdom allows a leader to make sound decisions that consider both short-term and long-term implications. To me, leadership is about inspiring trust and respect by demonstrating integrity and a genuine concern for the well-being of the team.
What are my models for leadership?
I don’t have many models besides Simon Sinek’s “Leaders Eat Last” mentality. This philosophy resonates with me because it emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of others before your own. It suggests that true leadership involves creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. This model appeals to me as it aligns with my belief in compassionate leadership. I strive to embody these principles by supporting my team members, acknowledging their contributions, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Who are my role models?
Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, and Barack Obama are individuals I look up to. Simon Sinek, with his insights on leadership and organizational culture, has influenced my understanding of what it means to lead effectively. His emphasis on purpose and the “why” behind actions encourages me to seek deeper meaning in my work. Seth Godin’s focus on being remarkable and making meaningful connections inspire me to think creatively and authentically. Barack Obama’s leadership during his presidency, characterized by grace under pressure, effective communication, and a focus on unity, serves as an example of leading with wisdom and compassion.
What works for me when I lead? What doesn’t?
My strength lies in analysis, which can be a double-edged sword. While it allows me to understand complex situations and devise strategies, it also leads me to take on too much responsibility. This tendency can result in me not delegating effectively or not considering the input of team members adequately. When I focus solely on analysis and problem-solving without engaging the team, it can create a disconnect and hinder collaboration.
On the other hand, when I make a conscious effort to listen and involve others in the decision-making process, the outcomes are generally better. Team members feel valued, morale improves, and collective creativity leads to more innovative solutions. Therefore, improving my listening skills and fostering open communication are crucial steps in my development as a leader.
Where do I want to apply my leadership skills?
By honing my leadership abilities, I aim to build and guide teams that not only succeed commercially but also foster positive environments where creativity and collaboration thrive. I want to create organizations that are known for their innovation and for being great places to work. Applying my leadership skills in this context allows me to combine my passion for technology with my desire to make a meaningful impact.
What is the value in doing these exercises?
I want to get better and improve my discipline. Engaging in these exercises forces me to reflect on my experiences, acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for growth. By articulating my thoughts and feelings, I gain clarity and can develop a concrete plan for personal and professional development. This process is essential for becoming the leader I aspire to be – a leader who is disciplined, compassionate, wise, and effective. Moreover, it prepares me to face future challenges with greater confidence and equips me with the tools to inspire and become the leader I want to be.
My visual model
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/11WJNp9yQbKjQG4-kIk7HtJ1pbyaJiemKStvZSIi98RI/pub?w=960&h=720
One big insight here came from the audience growth that hopefully comes from just building good things creating a virtuous cycle.
Exercise 6
I definitely had a lot more trouble than I thought I would lining up and having the conversations. Maybe it’s the end of summer time, or maybe I’m feeling more selective about who I choose to talk to. So far, I’ve managed to speak with 4 people, and I have 5 more conversations in the works. I’ll come back and update this once those are done.
Going forward, I’m focusing on being more intentional about who I reach out to for these discussions.
Talking to People with the Problem
[The Problem]
Movement leaders feel ill-equipped, overwhelmed, and discouraged by the technical and creative demands of building a digital presence that reflects their authentic message, attracts the right audience, and supports the change they seek to make.Going into this exercise, I expected it to be straightforward, since these individuals are not only my clients but also part of the community I want to serve. However, the conversations turned out to be more nuanced and complex than I anticipated. Each person had a different perspective on the problem, even though there were overlapping struggles.
Conversations:
• Josh expressed frustration and a feeling of being misunderstood. He described building his online presence as a “slog” comparable to tedious admin work. He’s been working on communicating his ideas for almost 10 years and identified part of the challenge as other people being stuck in their ways and closed off to new information. He noted that people often can’t engage with his ideas because they’re in a rut themselves, but he emphasized that he trusts me to understand his message.
• Ulrike, on the other hand, felt at a bit of a loss. She’s been committed to bootstrapping her business and building her website by herself but has hit a wall. After our talk, she felt more encouraged to try again and we plan to check in soon. Her experience highlighted the importance of not just offering solutions, but offering encouragement when people feel stuck.
• Andy was flustered and overwhelmed with maintaining his site. He appreciated that I understood his problem and felt like we were learning together, which reinforced the importance of trust in the client relationship.
• Nic, being more technically skilled but time-constrained, took the conversation in another direction. He helped me problem-solve by giving advice on potential solutions. It felt more like a collaboration, which was refreshing and reaffirmed that some clients don’t just need solutions—they want to be part of creating them.
• Paige is focused on integrating mental and physical health into her business through a blend of in-person training and online platforms. However, she feels overwhelmed by the amount of content she needs to create, particularly for social media, and the challenge of calling in ideal clients. She finds posting content stressful and struggles to juggle her online business with other jobs. While she’s not tech-savvy, she has managed to set start setting up a squarespace, but the difficulty of balancing everything makes it hard to maintain momentum.Key Takeaways:
A consistent theme that emerged from these discussions was trust. Many people struggle with these problems because they feel vulnerable or misunderstood. But once they feel that their concerns are understood and that there’s someone they can trust, they open up and engage more.I also noticed that people tend to view the problem as deeply personal—it’s tied to their mission, their identity, and their sense of progress. This makes it easy for them to ignore outside advice, even if they get solicited for help often, which is why it’s crucial to build rapport before offering solutions.
People’s problems are personal, even if the solution is technical: Most people don’t see their challenges as purely technical. Their struggle to manage their websites is tied to their broader goals and sense of personal mission, which makes it feel weighty and overwhelming. This means that providing solutions is more than just technical support—it’s about understanding and helping them move forward emotionally too.
Next Steps:
Moving forward, I need to focus on continuing to engage with more people who feel the problem, then I can refine the approach and start developing the systems to deliver solutions at scale.
Before – Frustration with Websites
Problem: Movement leaders feel frustrated and helpless in crafting a digital presence that reflects their real personality and mission.
Solution: Offer support, guides, and tutorials for creating websites. Additionally provide a service that helps them build a custom site together.
After – Supporting Authentic Digital Presence
Problem: Movement leaders feel frustrated and unskilled in crafting a digital presence that reflects their authentic personality and supports the change they seek to create.
Solution: Offer a range of services that can be tailored to the solution these leaders need. Provide each of these offerings based on the desired engagement level they want to provide (time, assets, creative input), along with the level of trust between us. Develop that trust by sharing resources and showing up among sustainable health and wellness communities.
Reflection on Exercise 4
Engaging with 10 friends about my project to support movement leaders in creating authentic digital presences has been incredibly insightful. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the scope of feedback needed, but breaking it down into individual conversations made the process manageable and productive.
Key insights from these discussions included the importance of specificity in defining movement leaders, integrating creative storytelling, and differentiating between various service models, such as “do it for me,” “do it with me,” and “help me do it on my own.” Recommendations emphasized building trust through testimonials, leveraging community connections, and considering low-budget, scalable solutions. Additionally, the need for ongoing engagement and feedback systems was highlighted.
These conversations refined my project’s direction and underscored the value of community-driven, sustainable solutions in digital presence building. The most crucial element in providing this solution is trust, which is best gained by showing up authentically as a member of the community in service of the community.
Overall, these discussions have helped shape a clearer, more actionable path forward, reaffirming my commitment to empowering movement leaders through tailored digital solutions. Moreover, this exercise has deepened my relationships with friends, family, and classmates!
5 Problems / 5 Solutions
1. Lack of Community Engagement
Problem: Movement leaders experience frustration and disappointment when their organized events are not well attended.
Solution: Increase marketing efforts through social media, community group partnerships, and build incentives for others to bring their friends.
2. Low Enrollment for Movement
Problem: Movement leaders become disheartened and discouraged when the participants of their events do not become evangelized to continue or return.
Solution: Conduct surveys to understand potential participants’ needs and preferences. Create engaging and diverse programs that cater to different skill levels and interests. Utilize testimonials and success stories to showcase the benefits of sticking with it.
3. Frustration with Websites
Problem: Movement leaders feel frustrated and helpless in crafting their digital presence that reflects their real personality and mission.
Solution: Offer tutorials or support for website management. Provide a service that custom builds their site together.
4. Curating the Crowd
Problem: Dance event organizers are stressed out about curating the right crowd for their dance event.
Solution: Create themed events or exclusive membership options to cultivate a specific crowd. Implement feedback systems to understand the audience’s preferences and improve future events.
5. Limited Resources
Problem: Movement leaders and organizations feel restricted due to limited resources and funding.
Solution: Develop strategic fundraising campaigns and grant applications to secure necessary resources. Partner with engaged community crowdfunding and philanthropists to create sustainable funding sources and resource-sharing initiatives.
The Value in Taking Initiative
Initiative is often the catalyst for personal and professional growth. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that taking initiative has led to profound learning experiences, from starting a popsicle business to transitioning into the tech industry, and eventually finding my passion in game development and movement leadership. This essay explores these experiences and the lessons learned from them.
In the first 30 years of my life, I had a few different “jobs” — working at the local golf course, doing student work-study in college, even volunteering as a librarian. However, it wasn’t until starting my own business that I really started learning bigger lessons. My first business was with a high school friend whom I reconnected with right out of college.
We sold handmade popsicles. Despite the initial excitement, I quickly realized that making and selling popsicles was not my true calling. This venture taught me valuable lessons about the risks of working with friends, the importance of market knowledge, and the challenges of creating a product that stands out. Most importantly, making mobile desserts led me back to what I actually studied in college and had a much greater passion for: mobile games.
Before starting my next business, I started and ended my career in game development. It wasn’t very long, but after being fired from two out of three roles, I really did some soul searching and took a break. Luckily, I had just become certified as a Pilates teacher and had moved back to my hometown of Nashville, so I had some time to consider my next move. This was right around 2019 when the book “Initiative” was first released. I had met Josh a couple of years earlier (in the DPRK) and I believe I was one of the first people to get a copy. To add to the serendipity, Chris, the professor cited in the example right before Exercise 1, had been one of my favorite teachers at USC—so I felt this was the trail of breadcrumbs I needed to follow.
I realized that helping others move better through tech resonated more with my intrinsic motivations. However, I made mistakes by forcing solutions to problems I didn’t fully understand. I spent considerable resources without seeing the desired outcomes, leading to personal and professional upheaval. This period taught me the importance of starting fresh, aligning with true passions, and building credibility and understanding before taking significant steps.
I gained a lot of value from teaching classes of 5 to 6 people, but I really wanted the whole world to learn about Pilates. This is where I think I screwed up and never made it through all the steps of “Initiative.” I had to pivot multiple times because the Venn diagram of people interested in Pilates and Interactive Technology was pretty much just me. I kept trying to force a solution for a problem that didn’t exist, and when I eventually switched to the physical therapy market, I didn’t have enough credibility or understanding. I thought I was doing everything right by following the book but ended up spending a lot of my own money, recruiting a team, and expecting direction to come from a market that didn’t exist. Instead of starting over, I kept trying to shift the solution to fit somewhere. I ended up so far afield that what I was doing didn’t even connect with my intrinsic motivations to help people move better with tech.
Luckily, my relationship fell apart, my parents divorced, and I moved back to Southern California. Even then, instead of starting at the beginning, I hoped to find a better dog show and get VC funding! Despite these setbacks, I reconnected with my original motivations. I realized that my true passion lies in leading others and helping movement leaders organize and change their culture. This newfound clarity, combined with a deeper awareness of my own dharma, has given me the dedication to do things right from start to finish.
Current Focus and Future Goals:
Yet, I still wasn’t jumping out of bed with enthusiasm. So I reached back out to Josh, and here I am looking to go back to the beginning and hone something into a true passion that the world needs from me this time. I have a more committed partnership, and commitment to do this right from start to finish. Whereas before my interest was in leading others to move better, my new aim is to support movement leaders, organize community initiatives, and drive cultural change. This aligns with my broader goals of sustainability, mindfulness, and living joyfully.
Taking initiative has been a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. From early entrepreneurial ventures to professional setbacks and rediscovering my true passions, each step has taught me valuable lessons. As I move forward, I am committed to leveraging these experiences to make a meaningful impact, both in my personal life and in the broader community. Initiative is not just about starting projects; it’s about continuous learning, adapting, and aligning with one’s true purpose.
Three People Close to This “Field” of Interest:
1.Joshua Spodek: Author of “Initiative,” Leader in Environmental Sustainability
2.Cory Bryant: Nashville based Yoga teacher, mentor
3.Morgan (my partner): cofounder of my web development agency who shares my values and goals.Three People with High Status or Value in This Field:
1.Simon Sinek: Renowned author and motivational speaker known for his work on leadership and the importance of starting with “Why.”
2.Brené Brown: Researcher and author who explores themes of vulnerability, courage, and leadership.
3.Jane McGonigal: Author and thought leader on how using game design can improve lives.Role Models:
1. Seth Godin
2. Marie Kondo
3. Steve BesharaCool! I’m in too. Should we post our essay as a reply to this thread or start a new one for our entry?