As a coach, I often find myself reflecting on what it truly takes to create meaningful change in ourselves, our teams, and the world around us. The challenges we face today - climate change, inequality, mental health crises - can feel overwhelming. Despite having a clear vision of what needs to change, progress often stalls. Why? I believe the answer lies in how we approach personal growth and leadership.
The Inner Development Goals (IDG) framework offers a new way forward. It bridges the gap between technical solutions and the human skills needed to bring them to life. Developed through collaboration among global leaders and researchers, the IDG framework identifies 23 essential skills and qualities for inner growth, organized into five dimensions. These aren’t abstract ideas, they are actionable ways to help us lead more effectively, live more purposefully, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
My Focus: Leading and Empowering Self and Others
In my coaching practice, I see the profound impact that self-leadership and empowerment have on both individuals and teams. This is why I’m drawn to specific aspects of the IDG framework: relationship to self, empowering self, learning and unlearning, and empowering others.
These skills are transformative, enabling us to navigate uncertainty, foster collaboration, and inspire change.
True leadership begins with ourselves. To make a difference in the world, we need to develop self-awareness, confront limiting beliefs, and embrace new perspectives. This inner work creates the foundation for empowering others, whether it’s a team member, a partner, or an entire community. By lifting others, we cultivate environments where creativity flourishes and collective goals become achievable.
A Missing Piece in Global Change Efforts
The IDG framework emerged from a realization that, while we have significant knowledge about global issues, we often lack the inner capacity to address them effectively. For decades, we’ve focused on technical solutions and policy changes, yet these efforts alone are not enough. The complexity of today’s challenges requires us to develop new ways of thinking, relating, and collaborating.
In 2021, researchers and leaders from diverse sectors asked a powerful question:
What inner skills are most critical for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Their exploration led to the identification of 23 transformational skills, grouped into five dimensions. These skills reflect the human qualities needed to navigate complexity and drive meaningful change.
The Five Dimensions of Inner Development
The IDG framework organizes the 23 skills into these five dimensions:
1. Being – Developing self-awareness, presence, and authenticity
2. Thinking – Cultivating critical and systems thinking to approach problems holistically
3. Relating – Building empathy, compassion, and trust to deepen connections
4. Collaborating – Creating inclusive, co-creative, and trusting environments
5. Acting – Demonstrating courage, resilience, and innovation to drive action
For me, the dimensions of "Being" and "Relating" stand out as foundational. They directly influence how we show up as leaders and partners, how we connect with others, and how we create spaces where people feel valued and empowered.
Learning and Unlearning: A Path to Growth
One of the most profound aspects of the IDG framework is its focus on learning and unlearning. Growth isn’t just about acquiring new skills, it’s also about letting go of outdated habits and mindsets that no longer serve us. This process can be challenging, but it’s essential for adapting to change and stepping into our potential as leaders.
In my work, I encourage clients to approach unlearning with curiosity and compassion. It’s not about rejecting the past but reimagining the future. When we release what holds us back, we create space for innovation, collaboration, and purpose.
Empowering Change, One Step at a Time
Leadership isn’t reserved for those with formal titles, it’s a mindset and a practice. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or simply your own life, the skills outlined in the IDG framework can guide you toward more impactful actions. By focusing on self-leadership and empowering others, we can build a ripple effect of positive change.
This blog is my invitation to you: let’s explore the IDG framework together. Let’s dive into what it means to lead ourselves and others with courage, empathy, and resilience. Let’s uncover how these skills can transform not just our lives but the world around us.
Join the Journey
As we delve deeper into the IDG framework, I encourage you to reflect on your own inner development. What skills are you ready to cultivate? What habits or beliefs are you ready to release?
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts
If you’re looking for a trusted partner on your growth journey, I’d be honoured to support you as your coach. Schedule a conversation here
Monika Kawka | Leadership Coach for Women | Gallup Certified Coach | Leadership Coaching for Women | Leadership Strategies for Women
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