A Framework for Growing Leadership Capacity from the Inside Out
Leadership effectiveness is not just about skills or experience. It’s shaped by how leaders make meaning — how they see themselves, others, and the systems they operate in.
As we’ve worked with leaders and teams across sectors, we’ve seen a clear pattern: leadership effectiveness grows with vertical development. To simplify this, we reference four stages of development, shown across a bell curve: Erratic, Managing, Performing, and Transforming.
ERRATIC – The Egocentric Stage (Pre-Conventional)
This stage sits at the lower tail of the curve. Leaders in this zone focus primarily on themselves, often externalising blame, rejecting feedback, and over-relying on authority and control. Power is flaunted, short-term wins are prioritised, and leadership confidence is often a fragile performance.
The result is usually inconsistent at best, and harmful at worst.
Leaders in this stage may experience:
✅ Desperate confidence, often masking fear and self-doubt
✅ Deep disconnection from purpose or meaning
✅ Poor adaptability in the face of change
Fortunately, fewer than 5% of leaders remain here. But some do, often unknowingly trapped by unexamined life experiences and outdated beliefs about leadership.
Reflection: Where have you experienced this style of leadership, and what was its impact?
MANAGING – The Reactive Stage (Conventional)
This is where most leaders sit — approximately 70%. The highs and lows of leadership start to stabilise, but the sense of vitality and agency can feel muted.
Leaders in this stage often over-identify with strengths like control, caution, or people-pleasing. They may seek approval, avoid conflict, or micromanage in the name of results.
The impact:
✅ Confidence is limited when navigating new or ambiguous challenges
✅ Fulfilment is often low, with leaders feeling stuck or frustrated
✅ Adaptability is reactive, not creative
It’s not a crisis point, but it’s also not a thriving space. Many leaders settle here, believing it’s “good enough.”
Reflection: Where do you see signs of Reactive leadership in yourself or others? What patterns emerge?
PERFORMING – The Creative Stage (Late Conventional)
Here, leadership begins to shift. Confidence grows. Purpose becomes clearer. Teams start to truly align.
Creative-stage leaders are collaborative, self-aware, and values-driven. They empower others, listen well, mentor capability, and lead with calmness and integrity. They are less reactive and more intentional.
The result:
✅ Confidence becomes robust and grounded
✅ Fulfilment increases as vision aligns with action
✅ Adaptability improves, and relationships strengthen
This is where many of our coaching partnerships begin to take root. It’s a turning point for leaders who are ready to grow beyond competence into consciousness.
THE “GOOD ENOUGH” LINE
Between the Performing and Transforming stages lies what we call the “Good Enough” line.
Many leaders reach a plateau here. They’re competent, respected, and effective. But something inside them knows there’s more — more clarity, more meaning, more impact.
Staying at “Good Enough” can feel safe. But it also limits the full expression of your leadership and the contribution you’re here to make.
TRANSFORMING – The Integral Stage (Post-Conventional)
At this level, leadership becomes transformative. These leaders see themselves as part of a larger whole. They hold complexity with clarity. They act with courage and care, and lead not just for performance, but for impact.
Integral leaders:
✅ Expand their vision beyond short-term wins
✅ Navigate relationships with grace and depth
✅ Operate with resilience and a deep connection to purpose
The impact at this stage is exponential:
✅ Soaring confidence, grounded in self-awareness
✅ Profound fulfilment in both leadership and life
✅ Unflappable adaptability in the face of any challenge
Where Do You Sit on the Curve?
Erratic. Managing. Performing. Transforming.
Where would you place your current stage of leadership development?
Where do you aspire to be?
And most importantly:
What support do you need to grow into what’s next?
Support for Your Conscious Leadership Journey
Whether you’re just becoming aware of your developmental edges or are already on the path, coaching provides a space to grow with support, challenge, and clarity.
At Two Percent Shift, we offer:
✅ Conscious Leadership Coaching — tailored to your stage and context
👉 Explore Leadership Coaching
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