Margaret Benefiel, PhD, is a spiritual director to corporate executives and author of numerous books, including The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Success and Fulfillment. She discusses the meaning of leadership as being “conscious of our influence on others.” She interviewed influential leaders like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and shares what “soul” means to him and his work with the Truth in Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. Prayer and spiritual direction was crucial for him during his leadership of that process. For Tutu and other leaders, spiritual guidance helps them become more soulful leaders by helping them find how God is directing them and enables them to respond to God’s nudges to act. A leader’s spiritual journey often includes “dark night of the soul” experiences that can lead to growth and wisdom. Gratitude is also important for individual and a group’s wellbeing. Developing a culture of gratitude can be a powerful tool in the work place when incorporated into leadership training and for showing appreciation to both employees and customers.To learn more about Dr. Benefiel, please visit www.executivesoul.com.