5 Essential Traits of Inspiring Leadership
In her insightful book Inner Switch: 7 Timeless Principles to Transform Modern Leadership, executive coach Susan S. Freeman delves into the core traits that define leaders who don’t just manage—they inspire. Freeman’s approach challenges the conventional wisdom that leadership is merely about making decisions, hitting targets, or managing teams. Instead, she proposes that true leadership begins with being—a shift that transforms how leaders approach their work, their teams, and themselves.
Leadership Beyond Achievements: The Journey is Just as Important as the Destination
Many leaders mistakenly believe that achieving certain milestones—like a promotion, financial success, or external recognition—will bring them lasting happiness. This is a common trap. If you’re constantly chasing the next goal, you may find yourself perpetually unhappy, thinking that satisfaction lies just beyond your reach. The problem with this mindset is that it often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction, where you’re so focused on the destination that you forget to enjoy the journey.
Instead of waiting for external markers of success to determine your happiness, Freeman encourages leaders to embrace the present moment. True leadership comes from being content and focused right now—not when you reach your goal. Leaders who learn to be happy with where they are will be more effective in the long term and inspire those around them to do the same.
5 Hallmarks of Being-Based Leadership
Freeman identifies five key traits of being-based leadership, which is centered on awareness, mindfulness, and personal growth. Here’s how you can embody each one:
1. Self-Inquiry: Start with Inner Awareness
Being-based leaders understand that their actions stem from their inner state. Before making decisions or taking action, they engage in self-inquiry. They ask themselves important questions like: Is my current emotional state influencing my decision-making? or Can I shift my perspective to be more effective in this moment?
Many leaders wrongly assume that emotional intelligence isn’t crucial to leadership. They might see it as a “soft skill” that doesn’t deserve attention. However, Freeman argues that self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. When you understand your own emotions and behaviors, you can lead with empathy, make more conscious decisions, and connect with your team on a deeper level.
Practical Steps:
- Take time each day to reflect on your emotional state. Journaling or meditation can help you check in with yourself.
- When faced with a challenging decision, pause and ask yourself how your current feelings are influencing your thoughts.
- Identify recurring emotional patterns and consider how they might be affecting your leadership style.
2. Mindful Presence: Be Fully Engaged in the Moment
Many successful leaders rely on their past experiences to navigate new challenges. While this can be helpful, it also means they may be operating from old habits and assumptions that no longer serve them. Being present and fully engaged in the moment is crucial for authentic leadership. Mindful leaders aren’t distracted by what happened yesterday—they are focused on what’s happening right now and how they can respond most effectively.
This presence also extends to how leaders interact with their teams. Are you truly listening to your employees, or are you distracted by past successes or failures? The ability to be fully present and open-minded in every interaction is one of the hallmarks of inspiring leadership.
Practical Steps:
- Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or focusing on the present, to stay grounded in the moment.
- During meetings, give your full attention to the speaker, and resist the urge to multitask.
- Use body language and eye contact to show your team that you are truly present and engaged.
3. Energy Awareness: Your Energy Sets the Tone
The energy a leader brings to the workplace is contagious. Leaders who are unaware of their own energy can unintentionally create a toxic environment. If you’re stressed, anxious, or negative, your team will feel it. On the other hand, leaders who are aware of their own energy can positively influence their team’s mood and productivity.
Freeman emphasizes that energy isn’t just about physical vitality—it’s about the emotional and mental energy you project. Leaders need to be conscious of how they interact with others and how their emotions can influence group dynamics.
Practical Steps:
- Start each day by checking in with your energy level. If you’re feeling drained, take time for self-care.
- Before entering important conversations, take a moment to center yourself and project positive energy.
- Pay attention to the energy in the room—if it’s low, consider how you can shift it through encouragement or a positive outlook.
4. Connection Between Mind and Body: Lead with Balance
Freeman draws on the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, to explain how leadership is influenced by the connection between the body and mind. When we ignore our physical well-being, it affects our mental and emotional states. Leaders who neglect their health—whether through poor diet, lack of exercise, or chronic stress—are less effective because they don’t have the energy or clarity needed to lead effectively.
In contrast, leaders who take care of their bodies are better equipped to think clearly, manage stress, and maintain the stamina needed to lead. This balance between mind and body supports sustained performance and creativity.
Practical Steps:
- Commit to a balanced lifestyle that includes nutritious food, regular exercise, and enough rest.
- Pay attention to how your body feels during the day. If you’re feeling sluggish or tense, take a break to stretch or walk.
- Practice stress-relief techniques, such as yoga or deep breathing, to maintain both mental and physical balance.
5. The Witness Consciousness: Lead from a Place of Awareness
The final hallmark of being-based leadership is witness consciousness, which means stepping back and observing your thoughts and reactions without judgment. When leaders act from a place of reactive thinking, their decisions can be influenced by biases, past experiences, or emotions. But when they adopt a witness perspective, they can observe situations more objectively and make decisions from a place of clarity.
Leaders who lead from witness consciousness are not driven by ego or attachment to outcomes. They understand that the process is just as important as the result, and they focus on creating harmony and trust within their teams. This allows for quicker adaptation to change, improved problem-solving, and a more collaborative work environment.
Practical Steps:
- Develop the habit of observing your thoughts before reacting. This can be as simple as taking a deep breath before responding to a challenging situation.
- Practice being aware of your attachments to certain outcomes. Ask yourself if your decisions are being driven by fear or a desire to prove yourself.
- Cultivate an open mindset by listening to others’ perspectives and embracing new ideas.
Conclusion: Leadership is a Journey of Self-Awareness
The most inspiring leaders are those who are committed to their own growth and awareness. By focusing on the present moment, understanding your emotional and physical states, and fostering strong connections with others, you can cultivate a leadership style that is both effective and deeply fulfilling. Freeman’s book offers timeless principles that encourage leaders to be mindful of their inner state while guiding their teams to success.
Leadership is not just about achieving results—it’s about how you engage with the journey. Embrace these five hallmarks of being-based leadership, and you’ll not only inspire others but also create a more authentic and rewarding leadership experience for yourself.
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