Leadership is not a fixed trait but a continuous journey of growth. Internationally-known executive coach and author Dr. Sam Adeyemi believes that one of the most effective ways to become the leader you aspire to be is to engage in intentional self-discovery. In his new book, SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership (Wiley, 2025), Adeyemi outlines a simple exercise that can help leaders identify their current mindset, clarify the qualities they wish to embody, and begin bridging the gap between the two.
The process begins with visualization. First, leaders are encouraged to picture a typical day in their current role — how they respond to challenges, manage responsibilities, and the emotions that dominate those moments. From there, they shift to visualizing the type of leader they want to become: confident, inspiring, resilient, or collaborative. By comparing the two versions of themselves, leaders can identify where their growth lies and what mental or behavioral changes are required.
Once this clarity emerges, the next step is creating an action plan. Adeyemi suggests committing to three specific actions in the coming week that will help move closer to the desired leadership style. These small but intentional steps begin to transform not only how leaders think, but how they act in real-world situations.
However, growth rarely comes without obstacles. Adeyemi notes several stumbling blocks that can derail progress if left unchecked. Resistance to change is a natural force, as it often feels safer to remain in familiar patterns. Limiting beliefs — such as the conviction that one is not a “natural leader” — can also hold people back from pursuing growth. Fear of failure is another barrier, convincing leaders to avoid risks rather than embrace them as learning opportunities. Finally, impatience with the process can lead to discouragement when results don’t appear quickly enough.
Overcoming these hurdles requires persistence, reframing negative self-talk, and embracing a long-term perspective. Leadership shifts happen gradually, and each small adjustment builds toward lasting transformation.