The Soul Work of Leadership

Leadership is often seen as a role filled with strategies, decisions, and actions. But at its core, leadership is deeply personal. It’s about who you are, not just what you do. And to lead others effectively, you’ve got to start with leading yourself, which means doing some serious soul work.

Why Soul Work?

As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind—chasing goals, managing teams, and ticking off tasks. But if you don’t take time to dig deep and understand yourself, you’ll hit a wall. The pressures of leadership can wear you down, and without a solid foundation, everything you’re building could start to crumble.

One leader shared how his experience with a Crucible retreat changed his entire approach to leadership. He admitted that despite his years of training, education, and experience, he wasn’t fully aware of how his own fears and insecurities were holding him back. It wasn’t until he faced these internal obstacles head-on that he could truly grow as a leader. He said, “I realized that I had to develop new capacities to live into what I knew. It’s one thing to believe in the importance of vulnerability, but it’s another to actually have the emotional capacity to live it out.”

The Importance of Self-Awareness

One of the biggest takeaways from this leader’s journey was the importance of self-awareness. He had to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself, like his need to always be in control or to have the final say. This realization wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. By understanding his own tendencies, he could start managing them better, making room for others to shine and for his team to thrive.

This isn’t just about becoming a better leader for the sake of it. If you’re not aware of how your presence impacts others, you might unintentionally hold them back and hold yourself back.

Practical Takeaways

1. Make Time for Self-Reflection: Regularly set aside time to reflect on your actions, decisions, and the emotions behind them. This can help you stay grounded and aware of your impact on others.
2. Seek Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask your team what it’s like to work with you. Questions like, “What makes it hard to follow me?” or “What do you know about me that I don’t know about myself?” can provide valuable insights.
3. Embrace Vulnerability: It’s okay not to have all the answers or to be the smartest person in the room. True strength in leadership comes from being open, honest, and vulnerable.
4. Invest in Personal Growth: Whether it’s through retreats, workshops, or simply reading, continuously invest in your own growth. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. If you’re looking for ways as a leader to better understand who you are, how you show up in your world, and how you can lead from a place of deeper purpose, passion, and power, a Crucible men’s or women’s retreat could be a great step in that journey. If your schedule currently prohibits you from getting away for an entire weekend, consider exploring coaching with a certified Crucible coach who can support you individually in your journey. By investing in your soul work, you can lead with greater purpose, clarity, and compassion. And in the end, that’s what makes all the difference.

Want to hear a personal testimony on the impact of Crucible on leadership? Check out this podcast!