The Inner Game of Leadership: Mastering Your Mind for Growth

I want to remind you about one of the most important aspects of leadership growth: your mindset. Here’s something you need to grasp right from the start: Success is an inside job. This is why I wrote Leadership Starts With You: 20 Ways To Lead Yourself. You can’t take people where you’ve never been, and you can’t give what you don’t have, and you can’t output what you’ve never input. This means that success in leadership—and in life—starts inside. I find many leaders trying to lead on an empty tank. They don’t have what they need to take people where they need to go. And the result? No progress.

Many people think success is something they’ll arrive at one day, like it’s waiting for them somewhere down the road. But here’s the truth: you don’t go to your potential, you grow to your potential. There’s a huge difference. Some people sit back and hope that in a few years, they’ll naturally get better. But that’s not how it works. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentionality. I have some bad news for you; you won’t get better unless you make the time to learn and effectively apply it. Just because time passes does not mean you will be better off.

The Inside-Out Approach to Leadership

Highly successful leaders understand that growth is a daily, intentional pursuit. You’ve got to start with what’s on the inside. What are you feeding your mind? What thoughts, knowledge, and resources are you taking in to help you grow?

One of the leadership tools I teach is what I call The Growth Ladder. Picture a ladder where each rung represents a step toward your potential. Every time you read a book, attend a workshop, seek out coaching, or learn a new leadership strategy, you’re climbing that ladder. Don’t expect to take giant leaps—just keep taking small steps, and before you know it, you’ll reach new heights. The higher you go, the more influence you’ll have and the more effective you will be.

3 Action Steps To Help You Intentionally Grow:

Feed Your Mind Daily: Growth requires intentional input. Commit to spending at least 20 minutes a day reading leadership books, listening to podcasts, or exploring articles on topics that challenge and inspire you. The key here is consistency. Daily exposure to new ideas and strategies allows you to build your knowledge base and strengthens your leadership mindset. Small, steady steps lead to lasting change, so make personal development a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s on your commute, during your morning routine, or before bed, feeding your mind daily fuels your growth. If you’re not sure where to start, check this out…How To Create A Leadership Growth Plan.
Get Around Growth-Minded People: Who you surround yourself with has a huge impact on your personal and professional growth. Seek out people who are just as committed to growth as you are—people who challenge you to think bigger, push past your limits, and step out of your comfort zone. Join mastermind groups, attend leadership conferences, or get involved in local or online communities where growth is a priority. These connections will not only inspire you but also hold you accountable for staying on your growth path. Remember, iron sharpens iron—and the right relationships will help you sharpen your leadership skills.
Talk About What You’re Learning About: One of the most effective ways to internalize what you’re learning is to share it with others. When you talk about the new concepts and strategies you’re exposed to, you start to synthesize the information, making it easier to understand and apply. Find opportunities to share insights with your team, peers, or mentors. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and explain what you’ve learned. This not only reinforces your own learning but also positions you as a leader who is constantly growing and contributing to the development of those around you. Growth isn’t just about what you take in—it’s about what you can give back.

The journey to success starts in your mind. I’ll never forget when my oldest son turned six. I was congratulating him, telling him how big he was getting, when he looked up at me, confused, and said, “Dad, I still feel like I’m five.” That moment really struck me. It reminded me of how many of us approach growth—we expect to see or feel it instantly. But the truth is that growth is often subtle and gradual. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, it’s always happening. And here’s the powerful part: just because you don’t feel it doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward. Keep pushing, and you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come.

Are you ready to take your leadership growth seriously? Let’s work together to create a personalized plan that helps you unlock your potential. Whether through one-on-one coaching or leadership workshops, I’m here to help you climb your Growth Ladder with confidence.