The Inner Game of Leadership

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The Inner Game of LeadershipIn 1974, Tim Galley coined the term “inner game” in his published novel, The Inner Game of Golf.  Since then, many have found a way to apply the same “inner game” concept to leadership!

Qualities that make up one’s inner game of leadership include vision, courage, passion, wisdom, and intuition. In order to grow and address these areas, it is highly beneficial to look to a leadership coach.

Here are three key reasons to consider a leadership coach:

  1. We are limited.

As a leader, one only has their own limited mindset and experiences to pull from.  A coach has the ability to change up our thinking to help us improve our inner game. In times of hesitation, a leadership coach is there to guide one through encouragement and/or critiques.

  1. Leaders become more effective.

Leaders that receive leadership coaching are able to see a large percentage of return on investment.  They are able to observe behavior without criticism and realize that change is possible.

  1. A leadership coach helps us observe without judgment.

A leadership coach helps the client’s inner game by seeing to it that they’ll learn how to observe without judgment.  Gallwey’s books talk about the fact that we all have a Self 1 (the big ego) and Self 2 (the wise one).

Self 1 is built on fear and lacks trust.  Self 2 is the real person with potential and the desire to enjoy life.  When leaders act from Self 2, they are more receptive and unbiased to those around, which is important in leadership.   A coach’s role is to bring out the Self 2 in a leader.

In order to expand your inner game, be sure to set goals with your coach.  You need to know what you are working towards in order to pull off your action plan.

After accomplishing your planned goals, regroup with your coach. Together, measure your changes and provide the highest amount of growth possible when it comes to your inner game.

Dynamic and successful leaders focus not only on their outer competencies but their inner game too.  Finding the right leadership coach is extremely helpful to growing as an effective leader.

We would love to hear your comments.