As leaders, we often focus on external achievements and professional challenges. However, true leadership also involves looking inward and embracing the multifaceted nature of our inner selves. Being open to the various parts of ourselves allows us to lead with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.

Each of us is composed of numerous internal parts, each with its voice, perspective, and needs. These parts can include an inner critic, a part that nurtures, a part that focuses on achievement, etc. Acknowledging and understanding these parts and appreciating their apparent competing demands is essential for personal growth and effective leadership.

To lead authentically, we must integrate these various parts into a cohesive whole. This involves acknowledging each part’s voice, understanding its role, and harmonizing its contributions to our overall wellbeing.

Practicing self-compassion is a powerful way to embrace and integrate our inner parts. By extending the same kindness to ourselves that we offer to others, we create an internal environment of acceptance and understanding. For example, When faced with a setback, acknowledge your efforts instead of being overly critical and remind yourself that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Engaging in an open dialogue with our inner parts can help us understand their needs and motivations. This process involves listening to each part without judgment and finding ways to address their concerns. Set aside time for self-reflection, where you can journal or reflect on the voices and needs of your inner parts.

Being open to our inner parts requires vulnerability. It means acknowledging our fears, insecurities, and limitations. However, this vulnerability is a source of strength, allowing us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. It’s okay to be human.

I have been conscious of noticing the tension between different parts of me. I have a part that wants to be productive and get things done and another part that wants to enjoy the beautiful weather outside and experience a sense of calm. It is easy to favor one or the other at different times. Sometimes, I have numbed or shut off the part that wants to relax and push ahead with the work. Of course, this often serves me, and I can be productive.

Instead of favoring one part and shutting off another, I have practiced noticing the different parts and appreciating that each part has unique perspectives, needs, and desires. I know that a large part of me, my Wise Self, can hold the various parts with compassion. From this broader perspective, I can say, “I sense something in me desires to be productive, and I sense something in me would like to be outside enjoying nature.” I can internally make room for all the apparent competing parts within me and sense my wholeness. This balance brings a sense of harmony, allowing me to honor each part rather than have one part take all the space and push out the other.

With this awareness, I made time to go outside first thing. I was at peace as I was productive and felt kinder to my inner parts. I achieved this by practicing awareness and engaging in self-reflection. These practices helped me to better understand and appreciate the different parts of myself, leading to a greater sense of self-compassion.

With kindness and an Open Stance toward my various parts, I have found that I do not have to live so fully from one part. This realization liberates me from self-imposed expectations.

I have been focusing for some time on the power of being non-judgmental, compassionate, and kind to others. I know the benefit of shifting to being open with others and situations. When I focus on taking an Open Stance toward my inner parts, I experience a sense of aliveness and joy. This practice invigorates me, reminding me of the power of seeing and creating space for all of our parts. It is a learning journey that can create a ripple effect. When we are less critical and open toward all aspects of ourselves, we have more energy to be open to others. This sense of aliveness and joy is what I wish for you as you embark on your own journey of self-compassion and understanding.

I encourage you to embrace all of you and be compassionate to your inner parts. By doing so, you will feel more understood and accepted, both by yourself and by others. You will be a more effective leader.