Trevor Sworn
Focusing on who we are becoming, rather than just what we do, leads to more authentic, impactful, and enduring leadership.
Leadership is often defined by the visible actions leaders take—the decisions they make, the strategies they deploy, and the results they deliver. Yet, the most profound aspect of leadership lies beneath the surface: the ongoing transformation of the leader themselves. At Enduring Leadership, we believe leadership isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we become.
The journey of self-discovery and growth is what sets enduring leaders apart.
Leadership as a Journey of Becoming
In the fast-paced world of business and non-profits, leaders are often expected to achieve quick results and deliver tangible outcomes. While these are critical, focusing solely on outcomes can overshadow the deeper, more transformative aspects of leadership. Great leadership requires more than skills or technical expertise—it demands authenticity, emotional intelligence, and alignment with one’s values.
Leadership is not static. It evolves as we face challenges, navigate uncertainty, and adapt to change. Every decision, every success, and every setback contributes to shaping not just what leaders do, but who they are. This process of becoming is what allows leaders to inspire, guide, and leave a lasting impact on their organisations and teams.
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The Dual Dimensions of Leadership
At Enduring Leadership, we see leadership as encompassing two essential dimensions: what we do and who we become. Both are vital, but the second dimension is often overlooked. Let’s explore these:
- What We Do:
This is the outward, visible aspect of leadership—the strategies we implement, the projects we lead, and the goals we achieve. It’s measurable and often forms the basis for promotions, recognition, or evaluations. However, focusing only on “what we do” risks creating leaders who are efficient but lack depth, empathy, or purpose. - Who We Become:
This is the internal, transformative journey of leadership. It’s about understanding our values, refining our vision, and aligning our actions with our deeper purpose. It involves developing the resilience to face adversity, the humility to learn from others, and the emotional intelligence to build trust and inspire others. This dimension shapes the kind of leader we are and the legacy we leave behind.
Deep and lasting leadership occurs at the intersection of these dimensions.
When what we do aligns with who we are becoming, leadership becomes authentic and impactful.
The Leadership Journey: Stages of Becoming
Every leader’s journey is unique, but certain stages often emerge in the process of becoming:
- Self-Awareness:
Leadership begins with self-awareness. Understanding our values, motivations, and biases is the foundation for growth. It’s about asking, “What drives me?” and “How do I align my personal purpose with my professional role?” Without this step, actions can feel hollow and misaligned. - Challenge and Growth:
Challenges are the crucible of leadership. They test resilience, adaptability, and decision-making. How leaders respond to adversity often defines their growth. It’s not just about solving problems but learning from them and becoming stronger. - Empathy and Connection:
Leadership is a relational activity. Leaders who focus on who they are becoming understand the importance of building trust and empowering others. Developing empathy allows leaders to connect with their teams on a deeper level, fostering collaboration and loyalty. - Reflection and Adaptation:
Becoming a leader requires reflection—evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and how to adapt for the future. This step ensures that leadership is not static but an evolving process of learning and refinement. - Legacy and Purpose:
The ultimate stage of leadership is creating a legacy. Leaders who focus on becoming often aim to leave a lasting impact—not just through results but by inspiring others, building resilient teams, and contributing to a culture of growth and purpose.
The Role of Coaching in the Leadership Journey
One of the most effective ways to accelerate this process of becoming is through coaching. Coaching creates a safe space for leaders to reflect, explore their values, and align their goals with their authentic selves. At Enduring Leadership, our Insight-Driven Coaching model is specifically designed to support this journey.
Unlike many coaching frameworks that jump straight into goal-setting or problem-solving, our model begins with a deep exploration of Clarification and Reality:
- Clarification focuses on understanding the leader’s internal drivers—their values, motivations, and unconscious influences.
- Reality assesses the external environment, including organisational dynamics, team performance, and challenges.
From this foundation, leaders explore Options, create a Roadmap, identify Resources, and engage in Reflection. This structured yet flexible approach ensures leaders don’t just achieve their goals but grow authentically in the process.
Enduring Leadership: Fostering Leaders Who Last
At Enduring Leadership, our mission is to help leaders in business and non-profits navigate their challenges while focusing on the person they are becoming. We believe that enduring leaders are those who align their actions with their values and purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive impact on their teams and organisations.
Our coaching and mentoring services cater to both dimensions of leadership:
- Through coaching, we guide leaders to discover their own solutions, fostering independence, self-awareness, and alignment.
- Through mentoring, we provide direct input based on our leadership experience, offering practical advice and insights tailored to the unique challenges of each leader.
Whether working with corporate executives or non-profit leaders, our approach is rooted in the belief that leadership transformation is the key to organisational success.
Practical Steps to Embrace the Leadership Journey
To focus on who we are becoming as a leader, consider these steps:
- Commit to Self-Reflection:
Set aside time regularly to reflect on our values, decisions, and challenges. Ask ourself: “Am I aligning my actions with my purpose?” - Seek Feedback:
Invite constructive feedback from peers, mentors, and team members. Understanding how others perceive we can provide valuable insights for growth. - Invest in Coaching:
A coach can help we uncover blind spots, align our goals with our values, and navigate the complexities of leadership. - Embrace Challenges as Opportunities:
Rather than avoiding difficult situations, view them as opportunities to grow and develop resilience. - Define Our Legacy:
Ask, “What impact do I want to leave behind?” Align our actions with this vision to create a leadership style that endures.
Final Thoughts: Leadership as a Lifelong Process
Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey of growth and transformation. Focusing on who we are becoming, rather than just what we do, leads to more authentic, impactful, and enduring leadership.
At Enduring Leadership, we are committed to helping leaders embrace this journey, unlocking their potential to inspire others and create lasting change.
Next Steps
Let’s work together to ensure your leadership journey leaves a legacy that matters.
Message me to book an Insight-Driven Leadership coaching session.
Download the first chapter of my Leadership Digest, a monthly publication filled with actionable leadership insights and tools to help we align our actions with the leader we can become. Click here to access your complimentary copy.
Trevor Sworn is a leadership coach and mentor who works with leaders to navigate challenges and find clarity in their personal and professional decision-making. Using neuroscience-based insights, Trevor guides them in making informed choices that lead to meaningful and lasting growth.
