In my book Unfear: Facing Change in an Era of Uncertainty, is a chapter called, “The Fourth Circle,” where I discuss the circle of influence we, as individuals and corporate entities, have on the world around us. This September seems a particularly poignant time to reflect on the unity of purpose and consciousness we must develop as leaders, if we are to impact the creation of a better, more peaceful tomorrow.

When we are conscious of our interconnection and interdependence with the larger environment around us, we are able to focus on the ultimate goal of the individual, team and organization; creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world through Unfear.  It is time for leaders to stand up and push for innovation, to champion positive possibilities and to remain flexible and adaptive during periods of change, with the welfare of all humanity in mind.

Take a moment to reflect upon what you are doing now and upon the impact you are having on the world around you. Are you creating pain for yourself and for others by holding onto attachments? Are attitudes of fear, anger, and aggression having a negative impact on your relationships? Are you contributing to the problems of the world through your personal and business practices?

Ask yourself . . .

Am I making business decisions that support and grow the kind of world I want to live in?
Am I acting with the utmost integrity in the pursuit of my work?
Am I taking responsibility for my actions and business dealings?
Am I continuing to develop myself and my skills?
Am I safeguarding the interests of my community, co-workers and environment with as much vigor and zeal as I care for the interests of my shareholders and customers?
Am I upholding my contract with humanity, as a member of the species, to care and guard the planet on which our sustenance depends?
Am I striving to create sustainable economic, social and environmental prosperity worldwide?

If you can’t answer yes to these questions then you are contributing to the escalating global uncertainty, and instability.  If you want better for yourself, become the part of the solution to all of our problems by recognizing that –what is best for the Whole is, always and ultimately, in your best interest.

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Karlin Sloan is the founder and CEO of Karlin Sloan & Company, Ms. Sloan provides organization development consulting, training and executive coaching to clients the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia.  She is the author of Smarter, Faster, Better; Strategies for Effective, Enduring, and Fulfilled Leadership (Jossey-Bass, 2006) and Unfear (January 2011).

The insane media coverage of the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 has given me pause. It is a reminder  to build relationships and community, and to value those things in our lives and our work. Despite the overload I feel when I read or watch the news today, I believe it's important for us to remember. And even more important, to be inspired to be the best of ourselves.

I remember walking through the Manhattan streets that day, watching paper fall and swirl around in a light wind. The streets were almost empty by 7pm, but small groups were clustered together talking about what had just happened. My husband and I were walking home via 6th Street and stopped in an Indian restaurant we used to frequent and sat with the waitstaff and talked. I don't remember anything that was said, just the comfort of being with caring people who were sharing this experience.  It didn't matter that we didn't know each other well, we were from different countries and cultures, we were together, we were neighbors, and we were happy to have food and drink and time to talk about the day. It was really dark below 14th street, I don't remember if the lights were on in the Village or not, but I do remember walking home and looking out across the Manhattan bridge on the surreal darkness and the void where the World Trade Center was supposed to be. I had been scared all day, but this walk home,  surrounded by kindness of all sorts, I realized the power of community, even in someplace like New York City where we can feel so anonymous.

When we remember that we are all in this together, it changes us. We become bigger than just ourselves. We become more responsible because we care about the people around us and their well being. We become more compassionate because we think about how others feel. We become more powerful because we are capable of doing great things together that we can't do apart.

When you remember where you were on 9/11, and how you felt, my invitation to you is to remember the people you were with. The connection you had to people either close to you or far away. Silently thank those people, whoever they are. If they were in the towers send them a blessing and a remembrance. If they were with you give thanks.

My hope on this anniversary day is that we use this remembrance to celebrate what's great in our connection to each other, to remember to value times of peace, and to practice Unfear. 

Karlin Sloan is the founder and CEO of Karlin Sloan & Company, Ms. Sloan provides organization development consulting, training and executive coaching to clients the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia.  She is the author of Smarter, Faster, Better; Strategies for Effective, Enduring, and Fulfilled Leadership (Jossey-Bass, 2006) and Unfear (January 2011).