Why Mental Fitness is the Leadership Skill You’re Probably Undervaluing
I’ve always wondered why no one questions the value of physical exercise. Whether it's lifting weights, running, or simply walking, we all accept that it’s essential for health and performance. But when it comes to mental and emotional fitness—skills that are foundational to leadership—there’s an outdated belief that we either “have it” or we don’t.
That kind of thinking holds leaders back.
Leadership Requires More Than Expertise
Today’s leadership challenges go far beyond technical expertise. They demand self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to build trust and navigate complexity. In my work as a leadership coach, I’ve seen time and again that the most effective leaders are those who cultivate what I call inner fitness. And like any kind of strength, it doesn’t just happen. It takes intention, practice, and often, some uncomfortable inner work.
While reflecting on how to frame this idea, I had a moment of synchronicity. I opened a newsletter from Dan Harris, the former TV journalist turned meditation advocate, titled: High-five your demons: Radical disarmament for the difficult parts of your personality.
Harris shares how he's learned to befriend his inner critics—what he calls “hobgoblins”—through a practice of warmth and compassion.
“If you can direct warmth toward your demons,” he writes, “they will often sit down and shut up, allowing the wiser part of your mind to take the wheel.”
That right there… that’s leadership.
The ability to quiet the noise in your head—to lead yourself—is the foundation for leading others. Whether it's self-doubt, perfectionism, or fear of conflict, our internal saboteurs can hijack our best intentions and undermine our leadership presence.
Enter Positive Intelligence (PQ)
This idea sits at the heart of Positive Intelligence (PQ), a framework created by Shirzad Chamine in his groundbreaking book. What drew me to PQ is that it offers not only deep insight but practical tools for shifting mindset and behavior. And that’s something every leader needs in today’s high-pressure, high-stakes environment.
Meet Your Inner Saboteurs
PQ helps you identify the mental habits that derail performance and happiness. The main saboteur is The Judge—that harsh inner voice that criticizes you, others, and circumstances. It’s universal. And it’s especially intense in leadership, where the scrutiny and stakes are higher.
The Judge often recruits a crew of “accomplice saboteurs,” for example:
The Stickler – perfectionism in overdrive
The Pleaser – prioritizing others’ approval at your own expense
The Hyper-Achiever – tying your worth to constant success
The Controller – needing to take charge to feel secure
The Avoider – dodging discomfort or conflict
These saboteurs can masquerade as strengths—but left unchecked, they limit connection, authenticity, and impact.
Strengthening the Inner Leader: Awakening the Sage
In contrast to the saboteurs, your Sage is the calm, wise, and creative part of your brain. It’s what the best leaders activate when they navigate change, complexity, or conflict with presence and clarity.
Chamine outlines five Sage Powers that align beautifully with effective leadership:
Empathize – leading with compassion
Explore – staying curious, not judgmental
Innovate – challenging assumptions to discover new paths
Navigate – making decisions based on values
Activate – taking focused, purposeful action
Together, these powers build a foundation for resilient, grounded leadership.
Why This Matters for Leadership
Whether you're leading through a turbulent quarter, cultivating a healthy team culture, or simply trying to stay balanced in a demanding role—your mindset is your greatest lever.
The PQ framework helps you notice when your saboteurs are driving, and to shift gears toward your Sage. It’s not about being “soft.” It’s about leading from clarity, strength, and grounded confidence—qualities that build trust and drive real results.
Final Thought
Positive Intelligence doesn’t promise instant transformation. But it does offer a repeatable, research-backed approach to growing as a leader from the inside out. With consistent practice, you move from reactive to intentional—from inner critic to inner coach.
If your inner Judge has been running the show, maybe it’s time to invite your Sage to the table—and discover just how powerful, creative, and human your leadership can become.
As a leadership coach, I use the PQ framework along with other modalities to help leaders become the best version of themselves. Let’s build your inner fitness—because your leadership depends on it.
If you’d like to explore the opportunity to work with Bryony, contact us here.
