Nepsis

It is the idea that we become alert and awakened to the patterns that are shaping our lives. It’s a watchful awareness, observing the thoughts and impulses that are in our hearts and minds. It takes a slightly different form to mindfulness, which is more about detachment in order to gain personal insight and liberation, and is more about a watchful proactive engagement with one’s beliefs and values, and one’s whole life really - a humble reflection as it were.

In the busyness of life, we may believe we would seldom have time perhaps to practice nepsis. But I’m not sure we have to find more time to do this, I think we can allow it to become a habit, a way of life, where in our day to day routines, we take a moment to reflect on the decision we’re making, the mood we’re in, the approach we’re taking, the attitude we’re adopting. To pause, observe, watch and be aware of the things that are influencing us, holding us back, weighing us down, giving us peace, bringing us joy.

I don’t think it takes long to engage in awareness. Maybe it’s a case of asking ourselves the right questions - what is happening, why is it happening, how is this affecting me?

And as we do this, maybe we will find we have a better understanding of ourselves, more clarity about a situation, we will protect ourselves and guard our thoughts, and we will be more vigilant, making wiser decisions - essential for leadership and ultimately life! This concept of nepsis helps us to develop the emotional intelligence (EQ) we need to form great relationships, know ourselves, live well and be content.

EQ lies at the heart of excellent leadership and research has demonstrated that it is one of the key indicators to workplace outcomes. It contains the elements of: 

• Self-awareness - Aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, conscious of our own behaviours and able to receive and respond to feedback.

• Self-management - The ability to regulate our emotions and bring calm and positivity to our employees - recognising that our mood and behaviour as a leader has a great impact and influence over others we work with.

• Social awareness - Understanding the people who work within our organisation is crucial - empathy and compassion is the key to helping others manage and regulate their own emotions. Without this the business will struggle to thrive. 

• Relationship management - As a leader we are also responsible for motivating our teams and helping them to reach their goals. We need to have moral courage not to shy away from difficult decisions and conversations and ensure that we are handling any conflicts amongst staff in a timely and appropriate manner. 

So as leaders we surely want to continue to cultivate EQ and develop it in order that we can ultimately maximise success, productivity, and well being in our people. It isn’t just a nice add on, or a bonus to have. It’s essential. So if as leaders we lack it we need to do something to help develop this skill, just in the same way we would develop ourselves in the technical skills of our jobs.

Practising nepsis might help us to continue to develop EQ. Being more watchful, aware and pausing in those moments to assess, evaluate and reflect. Let’s be more attuned and aware to the patterns that our shaping our lives.