Radical Self-Inquiry: The Key to Better Leadership and Greater Resilience

The Power of Radical Self-Inquiry

Jerry Colona, renowned executive coach and co-founder of Reboot, emphasizes the importance of radical self-inquiry for leaders and individuals seeking personal growth. He introduces a powerful question that can spark this process:

"How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don't want?"

This question is designed to evoke a sense of agency and help individuals examine their own role in shaping their circumstances. Colona explains that being "complicit" doesn't mean being fully responsible, but rather acknowledges our part in perpetuating situations we claim to dislike.

The Equation for Enhanced Leadership

Colona shares an equation his firm uses to cultivate great leaders:

Practical Skills + Radical Self-Inquiry + Shared Experiences = Enhanced Leadership + Greater Resilience

He breaks down each component:

1. Practical Skills: The technical know-how required for a job.
2. Radical Self-Inquiry: Deep introspection and questioning of one's motivations and behaviors.
3. Shared Experiences: Open discussions and vulnerability within a supportive group.

The result is not just better leadership, but also increased resilience - a crucial factor in navigating the challenges of both professional and personal life.

Breaking the Cycle of Busyness

Many high-achievers find themselves caught in a cycle of constant busyness, often driven by underlying fears or insecurities. Colona suggests that this pattern often stems from early experiences and societal expectations.

He encourages individuals to examine:

• What drives their need to be constantly busy?
• How does being busy serve them emotionally?
• What fears arise when contemplating a less hectic lifestyle?

By understanding these deeper motivations, people can make more conscious choices about how they spend their time and energy.

The Dangers of Attachment

Colona draws on Buddhist principles to discuss the dangers of becoming too attached to outcomes, identities, or even concepts like "growth mindset." He explains that rigid attachment often leads to suffering, as we struggle against the inevitable changes and uncertainties of life.

Instead, he advocates for holding ideas and goals loosely, allowing for flexibility and adaptation. This approach can lead to greater satisfaction and resilience in both personal and professional pursuits.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

When it comes to team dysfunction, Colona argues that the root cause is rarely a lack of talent, strategy, or execution. Instead, he points to unresolved personal issues - what he dramatically calls "demons from childhood" - that play out in group dynamics.

He emphasizes that leaders have a particular responsibility to examine their own patterns and behaviors, as these will inevitably shape the culture and functioning of their teams. Colona states:

"If you want to create a high-functioning team, do your work. And it starts with the person who has the most power."

Practical Steps for Radical Self-Inquiry

For those looking to engage in radical self-inquiry, Colona offers several powerful questions to consider:

1. What am I not saying that I need to say?
2. What am I saying that's not being heard?
3. What's being said that I'm not hearing?
4. Who would I be without the story of who I am?
5. What is it that I wish the people in my life knew about me, but I'm too afraid to tell them?

He encourages individuals to sit with these questions, journal about them, and potentially discuss them with trusted friends, colleagues, or a professional coach or therapist.

The Importance of Legacy

Colona touches on the concept of legacy, framing it not as a pursuit of fame or recognition, but as a way of aligning our actions with our deepest values. He poses the question:

"What kind of ancestor to my descendants would I like to be 20, 30, 40 years from now?"

This perspective can help guide decision-making and prioritize what truly matters in both personal and professional spheres.

Navigating Uncertainty in the Age of AI

Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence and its impact on various professions, Colona offers a balanced perspective. While acknowledging the significant changes AI may bring, he suggests focusing on uniquely human qualities like presence, connection, and strategic thinking.

He envisions a future where AI handles routine tasks, allowing humans to concentrate on "that which matters" - deeper interpersonal connections and creative problem-solving.

Conclusion: The Path to Growth and Resilience

Colona's insights highlight that true growth and resilience come not from relentless pursuit of external achievements, but from deep self-understanding and conscious choice-making. By engaging in radical self-inquiry, individuals can:

• Break free from unconscious patterns
• Make decisions aligned with their values
• Build more authentic and effective relationships
• Lead with greater awareness and impact
• Cultivate resilience in the face of challenges

Ultimately, this approach offers a path to not just professional success, but to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. As Colona puts it, the goal is to "grow up and become the leaders, the adults we were born to be without feeling like crap."

By embracing radical self-inquiry and the sometimes uncomfortable truths it reveals, we open ourselves to profound personal growth and the ability to create positive change in our teams, organizations, and the wider world.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJE7etZQ9us