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The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
Dethmer, Chapman & Klemp
Become a better leader
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
by Dethmer, Chapman & Klemp · 2014
The TL;DR
Required reading at many top startups, this framework teaches leaders to operate "above the line" — open, curious, and committed to learning — rather than "below the line" — defensive, righteous, and closed. The fifteen commitments include taking 100% responsibility (dropping blame even when it feels justified), speaking unarguable truth (facts and feelings, not interpretations and stories), replacing gossip with direct conversation, and playing the game of life as a learner rather than a victim. Drama is the cost of unconsciousness. The single most important question a leader can ask: am I above or below the line right now?
Core ideas
- 1At any moment you're above the line (open, curious) or below it (closed, defensive). Notice which.
- 2Take 100% responsibility — drop blame, even when it feels justified.
- 3Speak unarguable truth: facts and feelings, not stories.
- 4Replace gossip with direct conversation.
- 5Play the game of life as a learner, not a victim.
Key quotes
"The single most important question a leader can ask is: am I above or below the line right now?"
"Drama is the cost of unconsciousness."
"Whatever you're feeling and whatever you're thinking, that's the truth that matters."
Apply it this week
- →Start meetings with a brief check-in: 'above or below the line?'
- →Replace 'they made me…' with 'I chose to…' for a week.
- →Address one piece of gossip at the source this week.
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