Kamala Harris: Embodying the 8-C’s of Conscious Leadership

Conscious Leadership is a term we hear thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean to be a conscious leader? What skills and traits define this kind of leadership? “The 8-C’s of Conscious Leadership,” an original framework created by genconnectU and the Leadership Skills Institute, spells it out clearly. And who better to illustrate Conscious Leadership than Vice President Kamala Harris? The Democratic leader, who is currently running for President of the United States, exemplifies the principles of Conscious Leadership through her commitment to equity, empathy, and strategic vision as she advances key policy initiatives and advocates for social justice.

So, what exactly is “Conscious Leadership,” and why is a framework important?
Conscious leadership is all about being a leader who really gets people—focusing on what we used to call “soft skills,” but now are more often referred to as “human-centered skills.” Unlike technical skills, which are easy to teach and measure, these human-centered skills involve the interpersonal and emotional abilities needed to navigate complex social situations effectively. This includes age old skills like communication, empathy, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are becoming increasingly recognized for their importance across the industry. In fact, LinkedIn’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report found that 84% of talent developers consider these skills essential for effective leadership. A framework, such as “The 8-C’s of Conscious Leadership,” simply helps us stay focused and ensures we’re applying these skills in the best way possible.

What are the components of “The 8 C’s of Conscious Leadership”?
The 8 C’s are all about building a leadership style that’s both effective and empathetic. Here’s what they involve:
Culture: Creating a work environment where everyone feels appreciated and included.
Communication: Keeping things clear, honest, and open in all your interactions.
Compassion: Tuning into your team’s needs and feelings with genuine understanding.
Cognitive AI: Using AI tools to enhance your leadership, not replacing it—think of it as a new ally in your toolkit.
Creativity: Sparking innovation and encouraging fresh, new ideas.
Catalyst of Change: Being the driving force behind positive change and handling transitions with ease.
Confidence: Showing that you believe in your decisions and trust your judgment.
Collaboration: Promoting teamwork and problem-solving, because great ideas often come from working together.

What makes Kamala Harris an ideal example for applying and modeling this framework?
Kamala Harris, the first female, first black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States, stands out from many politicians thanks to her charm, charisma, and genuine wit. She has a knack for being relatable and authentic, which helps her connect with people on a personal level. This sense of vulnerability shows she’s not just a distant figure but someone who truly understands and empathizes with everyday experiences.

Her career and leadership style offer a clear example of how the “8 C’s of Conscious Leadership” play out in real life. From her clear communication and compassion to her creativity and ability to drive change, Harris demonstrates how blending these elements can have a powerful impact. She embodies the principles of conscious leadership, showing how they can be effectively applied at the highest levels.

Let’s take a look at how she exemplifies each component:
Culture: Harris has championed diversity and inclusion throughout her entire career. Her work as California’s Attorney General, for instance, led to the implementation of initiatives that expanded opportunities for underserved communities. As Vice President, she continues to push for policies that promote equity and representation, demonstrating her commitment to creating a work environment where everyone feels valued.

Communication: Renowned for her clear and direct communication style, Harris earned widespread respect for her ability to address the nation during Vice Presidential debates and public speeches. Her straightforward approach fosters transparency and builds trust, whether she’s engaging with the public or collaborating with her team.

Compassion: Harris’s empathy is evident from her early days as a prosecutor, where she advocated for reform in the criminal justice system, to her role as Vice President, where she has pushed for comprehensive social justice policies. Her work on issues like affordable healthcare and support for marginalized communities highlights her genuine concern for people’s well-being.

Cognitive AI: While Harris isn’t directly involved with AI, she supports the responsible use of technology. Her advocacy for modernizing government services and her stance on data privacy and digital innovation reflect her openness to integrating new tech in a way that enhances rather than disrupts existing roles.

Creativity: As previously mentioned, Harris has brought innovative ideas to her policy work, such as her novel approaches to criminal justice reform and healthcare. Her initiative to introduce the “For the People Act” demonstrates her willingness to think outside the box and seek new solutions to longstanding problems.

Catalyst of Change: Harris has always been a force for reform. She played a key role in the passage of the “First Step Act,” which aimed to reduce recidivism and reform sentencing laws. Her leadership in climate policy and other areas showcases her ability to drive and manage significant change.

Confidence: Harris’s historic achievements, including being the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, underline her confidence. She’s tackled challenges head-on, showcasing an unwavering self-assurance in her decisions and leadership every step of the way.

Collaboration: Harris is undoubtedly adept at building coalitions and working with a diverse range of stakeholders. Her efforts to form bipartisan support for legislation like the “American Rescue Plan” illustrate her ability to foster teamwork and solve problems through collective effort.

This powerhouse of a woman is living proof that mastering the “8 C’s of Conscious Leadership” can score you that all-important extra “C”: Credentials. She’s nailed every one of these components—fostering an inclusive culture, communicating with clarity, leading with compassion, embracing the latest tech, thinking outside the box, driving meaningful change, radiating confidence, and collaborating like a pro. By doing so, she’s built a rock-solid reputation and earned genuine credibility. Kamala Harris shows us that when you put in the work to develop these skills, you don’t just make waves—you earn the credentials that prove you’re the real deal.

So, how should this framework inform your own leadership journey?
Well, think of the 8 C’s as your personal leadership toolkit. Start by embracing each “C” as a stepping stone—build an inclusive culture, nail clear communication, and always lead with a big dose of empathy. Stay curious about new tech, keep those creative juices flowing, and be ready to drive change when it’s needed. Confidence and collaboration? Make them your go-to moves.

Here’s a tip: studying someone like Kamala, who embodies this framework to a T, can really help. Watch how she handles challenges, communicates with people, and stays true to her values. Use her as a model to guide your own approach, and soon enough, you’ll be building not just your skills, but also the credibility that shows you’re the real deal. It’s not just about leading—it’s about leading consciously and making a lasting impact.