As leaders, we are called to make a difference—to build organizations that thrive, communities that prosper, a more just and equitable future, and better tomorrows for us all. Transformative leaders understand that creating a better world for others, especially those suffering and marginalized, also makes a better world for us all. Recognizing how we also benefit from working toward solutions seemingly benefiting others is the essence of enlightened self-interest. Cultivating our enlightened self-interest in addition to our commitment to serving others can be key to transformative leaders becoming more effective, consistent, and sustainable.
Adversarial Framing
Too often, leadership decisions get trapped in binary thinking—winners vs. losers, left vs. right, them vs. us. bell hooks reminds us that binary thinking is dominator thinking. But real progress isn’t zero-sum. Joy, innovation, economic prosperity, belonging, and well-being are not finite resources. They are abundant when we notice, create, and invest in solutions that uplift everyone.
We must first notice and challenge this framing as binary, adversarial, and zero-sum. Once you see it, you’ll see it everywhere. When you do notice this framing, ask yourself:
- Who does it serve to frame it in this adversarial way?
- Are some possibilities better for us all, even though they are not framed this way?
- How might we think about ways to make this better for us all?
The Power of Enlightened Self-Interest
Here is an example that is both timely and evergreen. Some try to frame issues of equity as “discrimination” against those who experience privilege and foster an us vs them conflict. As someone who benefits in many concrete and tangible ways from systemic inequity, it may seem as though I have lots to lose from efforts to remove the barriers to systemic inequality. However, although I might lose some of the concrete and tangible privileges I didn’t earn and don’t deserve, what I would gain would be tremendous. Waking up to this reality is transformative.
We can consider this enlightened self-interest in many different contexts. I often nudge myself to consider how I might also benefit in societal, relational, and individual contexts.
Societal Level: Removing barriers for marginalized communities fuels economic growth, innovation, and collective well-being. We all gain when more people can fully contribute their ideas, talents, and leadership.
Relational Level: Creating equity strengthens trust, collaboration, and community. When people feel seen, valued, and supported, they engage more fully and are more open to connection. This might bring us better friendships, connections, and relationships as colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family. As leaders, this can foster stronger teams, more resilient organizations, and healthier communities.
Personal Level: As leaders, embracing equity gives us a clearer and healthier sense of self. I would gain an understanding of self – free from the dilutions and distortions of unearned privilege. This is a healthier and more vibrant way to live, allowing us all to lead with authenticity, clarity, courage, and impact.
Leading for Better Tomorrows for Us All
Recognizing our own enlightened self-interest can keep us focused on the issues when it gets hard, keep us from taking things personally and getting defensive, and help us be more strategic and effective in creating social change for us all.
