by Joy Maitland | Mar 30, 2025 | CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, News & Articles
Self-aware Leadership Development
Leadership, as someone once wrote, is “one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth.” That line has stood the test of time—and for good reason. For all our progress, self-aware leadership development remains a complex challenge. We often recognise great leadership when we see it, but struggle to define it or replicate it with certainty.
In business, discussions around leadership usually orbit three familiar themes:
- How leaders think, act, and influence
- How people respond to leadership and engage with it
- The systems and environments in which leadership takes shape
Of these, it’s the leader themselves who still attracts the most attention. We’re fascinated by personality, presence, and the seemingly unteachable “it” factor. The old debate lingers: are great leaders born, or can they be developed?
Figures like Field Marshal Montgomery believed leaders needed “infectious optimism” and visible resolve, even in moments of doubt. Henri Fayol saw leadership as careful planning and execution. David Ogilvy celebrated the complicated character—someone confident, never petty, and not shaken by defeat. These views, though dated, still echo in how we think about leadership today.
But let’s be honest: leadership in the modern world looks very different.
The Shift: From the Heroic to the Human
In today’s organisations, leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most dominant voice in the room. It’s about presence, perspective, and adaptability. Leadership is no longer a role reserved for the chosen few—it’s a practice that can be shaped, refined, and strengthened over time.
This is exactly the thinking behind Lumina Leader, a powerful psychometric tool created by Dr Stewart Desson, a business psychologist and founder of Lumina Learning. Unlike older models that place people into rigid categories, Lumina Leader embraces complexity. It explores how personality influences leadership behaviour—and how those behaviours shift in everyday settings, under pressure, and at our best.
At inemmo, we use Lumina Leader to help leaders discover their natural style, their leadership strengths, and where they may overextend, especially under stress. It supports self-awareness in a structured, evidence-based way—making the invisible aspects of leadership visible and actionable.
Structure Still Matters
Of course, leadership isn’t only about personality. Some of the most effective leaders in history—like Alfred P. Sloan at General Motors—succeeded because they understood systems. They built solid structures and equipped others to thrive within them. In contrast, individuals with star power but little strategic depth often struggle to sustain success.
The best leaders today combine both: an understanding of themselves and the ability to shape systems around them. They know when to step forward, when to step back, and how to align people around shared goals.
Leadership vs. Management: A False Divide?
Abraham Zaleznik, writing in Harvard Business Review, famously argued that leaders and managers are fundamentally different creatures. Managers seek stability. Leaders seek movement. But in today’s world, that binary feels dated. The most effective leaders draw from both disciplines—balancing strategic clarity with empathy, structure with creativity.
Warren Bennis, one of the great thinkers on leadership, found that successful leaders consistently pay attention to what matters, define direction, and bring people along with them. It’s less about certainty and more about alignment.
So, What Now?
Leadership is evolving. It’s becoming more inclusive, more psychologically aware, and more context-driven. Tools like Lumina Leader are part of this evolution—helping leaders move beyond vague ideals and towards real understanding.
In practice, this means:
- Knowing your natural strengths and how others perceive them
- Recognising how you behave under stress—and where it may trip you up
- Learning how to stretch your style to meet the needs of different situations and people
Above all, it means understanding that leadership isn’t a fixed trait or a job title. It’s a living, breathing process—something shaped by reflection, experience, and honest feedback.
So, the next time we talk about leadership, maybe we should look beyond the myths and focus on the mindset. The truth is, leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real, being aware, and being ready to grow.
The Right Conversation Can Change Everything. Let’s Talk.
by Joy Maitland | Jun 29, 2023 | All Employees, Leadership Development
Leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and development. Whether you are a seasoned executive or a rising star, it is essential to constantly strive for improvement and avoid falling into the trap of complacency. Complacency can hinder your effectiveness as a leader and limit your potential for success. In this article, we will explore five tips to help you overcome complacency and enhance your leadership performance.
1. Embrace a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and continuous learning. Leaders with a growth mindset are open to feedback, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and seek out new knowledge and skills. Embracing a growth mindset allows you to push past your comfort zone, take on new challenges, and continuously improve as a leader. Cultivate a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
2. Set Stretch Goals
Complacency often stems from achieving a certain level of success and then settling into a comfort zone. To break free from this pattern, set stretch goals that push you beyond your current capabilities. These goals should be ambitious but attainable with effort and dedication. By challenging yourself and your team to reach new heights, you create a sense of purpose, motivation, and continuous improvement. As a leader, encourage your team members to set their own stretch goals and support them in achieving those objectives.
3. Seek Feedback and Act on It
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Actively seek feedback from your team, peers, mentors, and even clients or customers. Create a safe and open environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their honest perspectives. Listen attentively to feedback, both positive and constructive, and use it as an opportunity to reflect on your leadership style and performance. Identify areas where you can enhance your strengths and address areas for improvement. Remember, feedback is a gift that can propel you towards becoming a better leader.
4. Foster a Culture of Innovation
Complacency can stifle innovation and creativity within an organisation. As a leader, it is crucial to foster a culture that encourages and rewards innovation. Create opportunities for your team members to explore innovative ideas, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. Embrace diversity of thought and encourage open dialogue and collaboration. By nurturing an environment that values innovation, you inspire your team to think creatively and drive positive change.
5. Develop Your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while effectively navigating and influencing the emotions of others. It plays a pivotal role in leadership success. By developing your emotional intelligence, you can build stronger relationships, inspire trust and loyalty, and effectively communicate with your team. Practice self-awareness by reflecting on your emotions, motivations, and reactions in various situations. Cultivate empathy by seeking to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. Develop your interpersonal skills to communicate clearly, resolve conflicts, and motivate your team effectively.
Overcoming complacency is a vital step towards improving your leadership performance. Embrace a growth mindset, set stretch goals, seek feedback, foster a culture of innovation, and develop your emotional intelligence. Remember, leadership is a continuous journey, and by actively working on these areas, you can unlock your full potential as a leader and drive positive change in your organisation. Challenge yourself to take the necessary steps today and become the exceptional leader you aspire to be.
About inemmo
Our vision is to be the catalyst for a new era of exceptional leadership, where individuals and organisations thrive by harnessing their full potential. As a top-tier leadership development and executive coaching and company, we envision a world where every leader possesses the skills, mindset, and courage to drive meaningful change, inspire others, and create lasting impact. Through our transformative programs and unwavering commitment to excellence, we strive to shape a future where extraordinary leadership becomes the standard, igniting a ripple effect of success and empowerment across industries and communities.
