Inner Command: Building Leadership from Within

The greatest empire any leader can build is command of oneself, to paraphrase Seneca, and it begins within themselves - an inner fortress of strength, clarity, and conviction that can withstand the pressures of leadership. Strengthening inner command can be developed with deliberate practice (a concept we explored in a previous edition). In this edition we will explore how you can go within to strengthen your inner command and enhance your self-awareness to be an even better leader.?

Over the last few decades, research has made it abundantly clear that self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It is defined by the psychologist Daniel Goleman, as the ability to identify and understand your emotions and the impact on others. Goleman popularized the term emotional intelligence in his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ; defines the five components of emotional intelligence: 1) self-awareness 2) self regulation 3) motivation 4) social awareness and 5) social regulation.?

One research study reported by HBR (conducted by Tasha Eurich, PhD) found that 95% of employees marked themselves as high in self-awareness when only 10-15% were found truly self-aware using empirical measures. It was also noted that unaware colleagues can cut a team’s chances of success in half. True self-awareness is a rare quality and we must cultivate it.?

When in the midst of a crucible, strength comes when closer the closer you are to a calm and composed mind.? Empirically, we see the best leaders focus on PEOPLE at the center of performance and then radiating out to results orientation, clear vision and plan, and effective systems.? As a result, going within to master self is imperative because your principal driver of performance are other human beings.? Command of yourself is step 1 to becoming better at leading and managing others.?

While the research is more recent, Stoic philosophers journaled about these very concepts thousands of years ago. History continues to provide us timeless wisdom and reminds us that self-mastery is essential for true freedom and effective leadership. Without understanding and control over ourselves, we are often subject to external forces. Two of my favorite quotes below remind us that by strengthening within, we not only enhance our leadership but also cultivate a sense of peace and resilience that withstands external challenges.

"No man is free who is not master of himself."— Epictetus?

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” - Marcus Aurelius

Why should you practice??

Neuroplasticity shows that the brain continues to adapt and rewire itself - with conscious effort, we can rewire our brains to become more self-aware and better able to regulate our emotions. By training our brains to recognize and regulate our emotions, we cultivate equanimity (a calm and composed mind in the midst of chaos).

What should you practice?

Start small and pick one of these to deliberately practice and incorporate into your routines:

• Regular self-reflection: As Former Secretary of Defense General James Mattis says - “If I was to sum up the single biggest problem of senior leadership in the Information Age, it’s a lack of reflection”. I’ve seen this firsthand in the many leaders I work with—the majority struggle to intentionally take a pause to reflect. But creating that margin for reflection is not a luxury; it is essential. As leaders, we need space to think and understand our experiences.?

• Journaling: Writing is one of the easiest ways to tap into your subconscious. I encourage all my leaders to regularly journal, even if it is 5-minutes per day. Try writing about your experiences, insights, and challenges.

• Seek feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for feedback on your strengths and blind spots. This is about seeking a more accurate picture of our reality to make informed decisions and strategic adjustments. Self-awareness is strengthened by seeing yourself through others’ perspectives.?

• Recognize and name your emotions: Note moments when you feel a strong emotional reaction. Ask yourself why you felt that way, then consider alternative perspectives to reshape your response. Ask yourself, what am I feeling right now? What am I experiencing? Why am I experiencing that? How is it impacting my performance?
• Continue to be a learner: Draw inspiration from great thinkers who have explored the path of self-mastery, like the Stoics or other philosophers. Their teachings offer powerful guidance for navigating the complexities of leadership.
• Consider measuring your self-awareness: At Steer, LLC we help leaders measure their emotional quotient with a researched backed tool as a TTI SI value added associate and strengthen their EQ through personalized coaching and smart action plans.

As leaders, we often focus on shaping the world around us, but true mastery begins by cultivating command over ourselves. By committing to this inner work, we build an unshakable foundation that empowers us to lead with clarity, resilience, and authenticity.

To permanent beta,

Chris