Let me guess—you’ve heard it all before. Leadership is about results, right? The numbers, the team performance, the growth targets. And sure, those things matter, but here’s the truth: none of it works without you. The real, fully present, self-aware you.
What if I told you that the key to unlocking those results doesn’t lie in another strategy, tool, or endless meeting? It’s simpler—and harder—than that. The secret to high performance starts inside. It’s about doing the inner work. That’s where the magic happens.
And before you roll your eyes, let me clarify: I’m not talking about “woo-woo” or fluffy stuff. Inner work is the practical, no-nonsense act of getting clear on who you are, what drives you, and how you show up as a leader. It’s the kind of work that makes everything else click.
So, What’s Inner Work Anyway?
Inner work is about peeling back the layers and understanding what’s going on under the surface. Think of it as decluttering your mental and emotional space. It’s about:
- Spotting the habits or beliefs that might be holding you back.
- Understanding what really matters to you (and cutting out the rest).
- Learning how to connect better with your team, your peers, and—most importantly—yourself.
It’s not complicated, but it does take effort. And the best part? It has a ripple effect. When you work on yourself, you’ll see the results everywhere—your decisions, your team dynamics, even how you handle setbacks.
Why Inner Work Changes Everything
Let me give you a few examples of how this plays out:
- Decisions Get Easier
Have you ever felt stuck, weighing options but never feeling quite sure? When you’ve done the inner work, decisions become clearer. You’re not overthinking; you’re aligned with your values and vision, which means you know when to go all in—and when to walk away. - People Start Responding Differently
You know that feeling when your team just isn’t clicking? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? The truth is, people connect with authenticity. When you’re grounded and self-aware, it shows. People trust you more, they’re more open, and suddenly those tricky dynamics aren’t so tricky anymore. - Challenges Feel Manageable (Even the Big Ones)
Let’s face it, business isn’t smooth sailing. But leaders who invest in inner work have something special: resilience. They don’t crumble under pressure because they’ve built a solid foundation. They know who they are, and they know how to handle what’s thrown at them. - Your Vision Becomes Crystal Clear
Ever feel like you’re chasing goals that don’t even excite you? That’s a sign it’s time to recalibrate. Inner work helps you strip away the noise and focus on what really matters—what youactually want to achieve, not what you think you’re supposed to.
How Do You Start?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your life to start this. Here’s what I’d suggest:
- Take a Step Back
When was the last time you paused and asked yourself: “What’s actually working for me right now? What’s not?” Sometimes, just recognising where you’re stuck is half the battle. - Get Honest Feedback
Ask the people you trust—colleagues, mentors, even your team—what they notice about you as a leader. What’s working? Where do they see room for growth? It might be uncomfortable, but trust me, it’s worth it. - Make Space for Yourself
Block out time—yes, actually schedule it—for reflection. It doesn’t have to be hours. Even 15 minutes to think about what went well (or didn’t) this week can shift your perspective. - Reconnect with Your Values
This one’s big. What’s driving you right now? Is it aligned with what you care about most? If not, it’s time to adjust. When your actions reflect your values, everything feels more purposeful.
Here’s the Thing
I know you’re busy. I know the thought of adding “inner work” to your already full plate might feel overwhelming. But here’s the kicker: this work isn’t extra. It’s foundational. When you invest in yourself, everything else becomes easier—decisions, relationships, even those growth targets you’re chasing.
So, take a moment. Pause. Ask yourself: how am I showing up right now? And is it how I want to be remembered as a leader?
The truth is, the results you want—whether it’s a thriving team, business growth, or simply feeling like you’ve got this—start with you. The high-performing leader’s secret? It’s not a secret at all. It’s just a willingness to continually challenge yourself to grow and be accountable for who you are.
