Inner Development Goals - do you know yours?

My second year in Web Summit and this year could not handle as much the overwhelm that comes with big crowds and the constant buzz of energy everywhere.

Though I learned a lot and made some lovely connections there.

I was reminded there about the concept of Inner Development Goals (IDGs) that I cover in my trainings. These goals aren’t just buzzwords but embody a framework to develop personal qualities and skills essential for sustainable growth and transformation, both within ourselves and our communities. Each dimension of the IDGs—Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting—offers unique insights into the interconnectedness of our inner and outer worlds.

Let's start with Being, the foundation of any change journey. This dimension revolves around our relationship with ourselves—our sense of direction, our integrity, and our openness to growth. It’s like our internal compass, guiding us to stay true to our values while remaining adaptable. As I navigated discussions on innovation and technology at the Summit, I was reminded how critical it is to pause and assess where we are and where we’re going. Without this grounding, any external achievement can feel hollow. In a way, the presence and authenticity we cultivate within are what empower us to make meaningful contributions beyond ourselves.

Moving to Thinking, we dive into cognitive skills that shape our perceptions and decisions. Critical thinking and complexity awareness encourage us to see the world in all its nuances, rather than simplifying or rushing to conclusions. Sense-making—a skill I found invaluable while absorbing the countless insights from the Summit—requires us to sift through information to find meaning. And perspective skills remind us to view situations from multiple angles, which, in turn, helps us better understand the bigger picture. Thinking is what helps us not just absorb but also analyze, connect, and prioritize information to build a cohesive worldview.

Then there’s Relating, which shifts the focus to our connection with others and the environment around us. Appreciation, empathy, and connectedness were themes repeatedly echoed by speakers and attendees alike. It’s easy to get caught up in technological advancement, but as many Summit talks showed, our impact on the world is only as strong as our ability to truly value and understand others. By cultivating humility and compassion, we enhance our capacity to connect meaningfully, creating relationships built on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.

Collaborating takes the qualities of relating and channels them into the art of working together. In this dimension, skills like communication, co-creation, and an inclusive mindset come into play. At the Summit, I watched people from different backgrounds, cultures, and sectors brainstorm solutions to global issues. Each contribution mattered, and trust was key. Collaborating is where diversity becomes strength, where collective intelligence is harnessed, and where innovation thrives through the fusion of ideas and perspectives.

Finally, Acting is about taking that internal and social growth and transforming it into impactful action. This dimension values courage, perseverance, and creativity—all traits that drive us to take risks, push boundaries, and stay committed to our goals. It’s about turning vision into reality and mobilizing others to join us. At the Summit, I saw people from all corners of the world who were already acting with optimism and resilience, driven by a sense of duty and hope for the future.

Each of these dimensions flows into the other. Being shapes how we think, which in turn influences how we relate to others, and our relationships form the basis of effective collaboration. Collaboration then empowers action, and with each action, we strengthen our sense of purpose, sparking new insights and perspectives. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, deepening our personal and collective impact. The IDGs reminded me of the intricate web of growth that starts within and radiates outward, challenging us to be more connected, conscious, and committed to creating a better world.

If you’re a leader looking to empower your team with the skills of self-awareness, collaboration, and courageous action, or if you want to cultivate a workplace where individuals feel connected and inspired, I’d love to support you on this journey.