Inside-Out Leadership: The Key to Authentic and Effective Leadership

Inside-out leadership is a concept that’s gaining momentum in the leadership world. It’s about leading from a place of self-awareness, authenticity, and personal growth. Instead of focusing solely on external metrics or traditional leadership models, this approach emphasises the importance of inner work—understanding your personal values, emotions, and motivations—as the foundation for effective leadership.

This philosophy has been a driving force for me in my work and what I considered for my own personal development, I was naturally drawn to the study of psychology. It aligns deeply with my belief in working with the leader themselves, enabling them to reach their highest capabilities.

Thought leaders like Kevin Cashman, Stephen Covey, Otto Scharmer, and Charles Manz have long contributed to the conversation about leading from within. They accentuate that self-awareness and inner growth are essential for impactful leadership.

More recently, a new book by four senior partners at McKinsey & Company, “The Journey of Leadership,” explores this very topic, further validating the significance of this approach.

Through years of experience, study, and my own empirical evidence, I’ve observed that true leadership transformation happens when individuals examine their psychological conditioning and personality preferences that shapes their behaviour.

Our genetics, past experiences, core beliefs, and values all influence how we think, feel, and behave in the present. While these factors contribute to our successes, they can also hold us back. Without addressing these deep-seated patterns, no amount of theory or leadership models will create meaningful change.

When leaders engage at this deep psychological level, they begin to lead with authenticity, confidence, and calm. This change not only benefits the leader but also positively impacts their team and the wider organisation.

It's not about discarding the structured aspects of leadership; it's about finding balance by incorporating the softer, more internal skills that are often more challenging to master.

As I’ve explored the needs of my clients over many years, I've discovered that men and women often require different approaches when engaging in this deep work. Through our experience, we've found that women thrive in community settings—a truth that history has consistently shown. For centuries, women have come together in groups to share, support, and grow. This communal environment amplifies the benefits of deep work for women, fostering connection and collective wisdom.

While men also benefit from community when doing vulnerable, introspective work, they tend to gravitate towards one-on-one environments. This preference for individual settings often creates a psychologically safer space for them to explore their inner worlds.

I've witnessed this shift first-hand in my private practice. A decade ago, less than 10% of my clients were men. Today, that number has grown to 50%. This change is significant—men are increasingly opening up, seeking support, and engaging in conversations that were once less common.

I take this inside out approach with all of my workshops and one to one work, when we fully understand the science and psychology of how and why we think, feel and behaviour we can bring about transformational change and resilience into our lives.

If you're looking to elevate your leadership, consider starting from within. It might just be the key to unlocking your authentic self as a leader.

Lucy Gleeson MSc, Cert Ed, UKCP Accredited