We are constantly constructing and reconstructing ourselves. Some leaders can become enamored with their role and self-image­­­—and all the justifications they use to support it—that they lose touch with their human connections and who they are as a person.

Other leaders may struggle with deep-seated beliefs or unproductive patterns that limit their self-awareness, ability to grow, and willingness to take on new challenges. They will continue to make the same mistakes, cognitively and emotionally, unless they can understand the themes that hold them back.

Fellows with ILEs crafted on this theme aim to build stronger self-awareness—to better see themselves in a figurative “mirror.” They may also work on breaking through their self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors to find their confidence and resilience.

Learning Goals:

• Find the importance in every relationship and the interactions that build relationships
• Hold themselves accountable for their impact, both positive and negative
• See and address their own blind spots
• Examine and release the origins of limiting patterns
• Master techniques to replace old patterns with healthy, life-giving ones
• Resolve difficult emotions and find strength

Examples:

• A Fellow who seeks to connect with people in a more meaningful and impactful way will attend the Arbinger Institute to develop their emotional intelligence and shift to an outward mindset.
• A Fellow who seeks to deepen their identity outside of their professional role will engage in a week-long reflective experience with a Coach, separating themselves from the constant demands and expectations of many stakeholders, letting go of self-limiting beliefs, and recalibrating their focus.
• A Fellow who wants to gain a true understanding of who they are—their strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities—will attend the week-long Hoffman Process to learn how to deal more effectively with their own unproductive behaviors, moods, and attitudes and address limiting patterns that are holding them back from growing and taking on new challenges.

Completing the Hoffman Process helped make me aware of the behavioral patterns that I had developed, gave me the opportunity to consider and express the emotions I felt in an authentic manner, guided me to find a deeper sense of compassion for others and myself, and provided me with the tools to practice self-acceptance and self-love. Understanding myself in this new way has helped me to understand the stories of others and seek deeper connections to them. It’s made me a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, boss, and co-worker. – Catherine Awakuni Colón, Cohort IV

ILE Video Reflection

Ben Ancheta, Cohort II

Explore other Learning Excursion Themes:

Difficult Conversations >>
Embodiment & Physicality >>
Mindfulness & Connection >>
Voice & Presence >>