At the Intersection of Yoga and Leadership

This chapter explores the way in which yogic principles influence leadership behavior and approaches. Current understandings of leader development have not incorporated principles of stillness as part of leadership evolution and growth, which leaves the door open for such an exploration. Using a combination of semi-structured personal interviews with individuals at the intersection of yoga and leadership, this inductive inquiry finds that yoga influences leadership in three primary ways: by transforming leadership into a humble service, by allowing leaders to display their humanity through example, and by encouraging leaders to tune in within themselves for better decision-making. This chapter opens the door on the discussion of consciously intertwining yogic practice and philosophical foundations for the benefit of leader development at the individual level.