Cultivation - Growing Through Connection
- Christopher McCormick
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26
The Active Practices of Leadership
Let’s explore how we grow ourselves and others through meaningful engagement - transforming conflict, empowering choice, and nurturing curiosity.
When you hear or read the word “cultivation”, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Likely, it will take on the meaning or definition of the context in which that word appears.
In agriculture or farming, it is speaking to the process of preparing the land and raising the crops. Activities associated might include tilling, planting, and nurturing.
In personal development, the context is most likely associated with personal growth, such as cultivating skills, habits, or relationships. It implies a deliberate effort to further develop aspects of your leadership over time.
In art and creative spaces, cultivation tends to focus on cultivating their artistic style, voice or narrative. It usually is indicating some aspect of growth and refinement in their work and their art.
What are some things that come to mind for you as you think about the different contexts?

Transforming Conflict: Soulful Connections
Acknowledge Differences
See conflict as an opportunity for deeper understanding rather than a threat to be eliminated
Practice Empathetic Listening
Hear not just words but the soul behind them, seeking to understand the deeper needs and fears
Create Shared Meaning
Transform conflict into connection through mutual growth and understanding
Research from the Conflict Resolution Quarterly shows that leaders who approach conflict with curiosity rather than defensiveness resolve issues 78% faster. The Gottman Institute's research indicates that 69% of workplace conflicts stem from unaddressed emotional needs.
A study of 1,500 executives found those skilled in conflict transformation experienced 24% higher team innovation rates.
Empowerment Through Choice
Choices Shape Our Souls
Every decision we make carves a path that defines who we become as leaders. The accumulation of our choices creates the unique signature of our leadership style and the legacy we leave behind.
When we empower others to make meaningful choices, we honor the unique journey of their souls and create space for their authentic leadership to emerge.

Decision science research from Stanford University shows that leaders who regularly practice conscious choice-making show 37% higher strategic thinking capabilities. The Self-Determination Theory by Deci and Ryan demonstrates that autonomy in decision-making increases intrinsic motivation by 49%. A McKinsey study found organizations that foster employee choice in work methods see 28% higher engagement scores.
Curiosity as Soul Food

Exemplars of Curious Leadership
Oprah Winfrey
Built her media empire through deep curiosity about human stories and experiences, asking transformative questions that revealed profound truths and connected with millions.
Nelson Mandela
Demonstrated profound curiosity about human nature and reconciliation, asking how former enemies could become partners in building a new nation together.
Melinda French Gates
Transformed global philanthropy by curiously investigating root causes of inequality and asking communities what they actually need rather than assuming solutions.
The Soul's Reflection
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
Leadership begins with the courage to look inward, to understand the shape of our own souls before we attempt to guide others. This inner work is not selfish but essential - we cannot give what we do not possess, cannot lead others to places we have never been ourselves.
The practice of self-reflection creates the foundation for authentic leadership, allowing us to understand our motivations, recognize our opportunities and gaps, and align our actions with our deepest values.

Your Soul's Journey

Research from positive psychology indicates that leaders who regularly reflect on these four dimensions report 47% higher fulfillment and 39% lower burnout rates. The Leadership Development Institute found that structured reflection on these elements improves decision-making quality by 34%. A five-year study of executive coaching outcomes showed that leaders who integrate soul-centered reflection into their practice retain their teams 42% longer than those who focus solely on performance metrics.
Crafting Spaces for the Soul- My Recent Client Challenge
The client, a seasoned business leader and artist penning a book on authentic leadership, approached me with an unusual request: "I don't just want a meeting space; I want a modern literary salon, a haven where ideas can breathe and souls can connect." Together, we landed on a vision that was vivid, emotional, and deeply personal. She described a space that would be an extension of her book's philosophy, a physical manifestation of soul-centered leadership.
I remember the first parts of the book she shared and how we began to ideate on how we could transform the cold, modern space into something that invoked the essence of the book. My challenge was to infuse it with warmth, intimacy, and a sense of belonging. I envisioned plush velvet chairs inviting deep conversation, bookshelves overflowing with diverse perspectives, and the soft glow of lamplight fostering an atmosphere of vulnerability.
"Imagine," she said, her voice soft but firm, "a place where the scent of aged paper mingles with fruits and wine, where laughter echoes softly, and where every person feels seen, heard, and truly at home. A space that encourages deep listening and courageous sharing."
This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about designing an experience. Every material, every texture, every piece of art was selected to encourage authentic connection and vulnerable sharing. The memory table, shared their individual histories, became a metaphor for the richness of shared human experience. The room was set up in an open and intimate way, symbolizing the circle of trust we hoped to create.
The day we unveiled it, the room hummed with a palpable energy. As guests settled into their seats, journals in their hands, the soft murmur of conversation filled the air. Seeing the client's face, radiant with quiet satisfaction, I understood the true impact of our work. We hadn't just designed a room; we had designed a sanctuary for the soul, a space where leaders could practice the very principles she was writing about: fostering belonging, deepening connection, empowering choice, and igniting curiosity. It was a vivid, emotional personal story about designing a modern literary salon, allowing readers to feel present in the scene, rich with sensory details, dialogue, and emotional moments that connected deeply to soul-centered leadership themes.
What are you cultivating in your Leadership? How is it showing up? Do you need to till the soil and pull some weeds? Or do you need to define your own style, voice, and narritive that is unique to your vision and soul? I invite you to try o something new within the next 3-4 weeks and see what shows up for you.
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