By Diane Lazarowicz – Top Performance Results, LLC
In part one of this three-part series on Inner Driven Leadership, we took the first step toward becoming inner driven leaders by discussing Personal Competence, where we defined our core values, personal mission statement, and authenticity.
In part two, we explored Social Competence and examined our social skills and interactions with other people.
In this final article, we will discuss the third competency of Inner Driven Leadership: Behavioral Competence. Here we will explore some essential behaviors of inner driven leaders such as goal setting, long-range planning, and life-long learning.
We begin with goal setting. Successful leaders use goal-setting techniques to help them plan a roadmap toward success. Goals not only boost performance but also inspire motivation. When I first began my business, I had never set goals before and was unsure of where to start. So, let’s begin with SMART goals.
SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
- Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve. Add as much detail as possible. Complete the phrase: “My goal is to…”
- Measurable: Identify how you’ll measure progress and success.
- Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic. What skills, resources, or support do you need?
- Relevant: Understand your “why.” How does the goal align with your business or personal life?
- Time-bound: Assign a deadline. Goals without timelines often get postponed.
Achieving Your SMART Goals
Write your goals down. Studies show written goals are more likely to be achieved. Share them with someone to increase accountability. Visualize yourself reaching the goal and immerse all five senses in that visualization. What will success look, feel, and sound like? Create a vision board and place it where you will see it every day for inspiration.
Once your SMART goals are clear, the next step is long-range planning. Break your goal into smaller action steps and assign timelines. For example, if your goal is to create a social media plan, identify weekly tasks over the next 90 days that will bring you closer to completion. Plan the work—and work the plan.
Create a 5-Year Plan
When I started my business, I had no long-term vision. I was once asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I had no answer. That moment sparked the creation of my 5-Year Plan—and it changed everything.
Start by outlining big-picture goals for each year. Then break them down into milestones. This roadmap keeps you focused and moving forward, even as you allow space for flexibility and change.
Become a Life-long Learner
Inner driven leaders are committed to growth. Read books. Take courses. Attend workshops. Engage in coaching. Learning fuels leadership and helps you stay resilient and innovative.
I also recommend taking a DiSC assessment and working with a leadership coach to discover your blind spots and continue evolving as a leader.
This concludes part three of our Inner Driven Leadership series. We’ve now explored all three core competencies—Personal, Social, and Behavioral. Use the action steps below to continue on your leadership journey. Thank you for joining me!
Action Steps
Diane Lazarowicz is an award-winning executive coach and communication and leadership expert who helps women trust their inner voice to achieve their goals.
Diane has over thirty-five years of professional business experience and is a Suma Cum Laude graduate of Robert Morris University. She is also a graduate of the Referral Institute and Dale Carnegie Skills for Success program, serves on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Airport Chamber of Commerce, and is Co-Chair of the Membership Committee. She is a proud advocate of the “Choices” youth program.
