Leadership isn’t just a title or a skillset – it’s a journey shaped by experience, challenge and transformation. Every leader carries stories of difficult decisions, ethical dilemmas and unexpected failures. And these moments leave an imprint, what I call ‘leadership scars’ – not wounds, but markers of growth that define who we become as leaders.

Rather than signs of weakness, these scars tell a story of resilience, learning and evolution. They reflect the times we’ve faced adversity, navigated conflict, or had to rebuild after a misstep. And how we process these experiences determines not just our own development but the impact we have on those around us.

My research, grounded in constructive-developmental theory, highlights that leaders at different stages of growth interpret challenges in distinct ways. A leader with a self-authoring mindset (where individuals define their own beliefs, values and leadership approach) might see a crisis as a test of their problem-solving abilities – a moment to assert control and drive results. In contrast, someone operating at a self-transforming stage (where leaders transcend their own perspectives and prioritise wider growth) might view the same crisis as an opportunity for collective learning, focusing on systemic change rather than individual success. Both perspectives matter, but they shape vastly different leadership approaches.

The problem? Too many leadership development programs focus solely on building competencies – without fostering the deep reflection needed to translate experience into wisdom. Technical skills and frameworks are important, but they don’t teach leaders how to process setbacks, challenge their own assumptions or grow from adversity.

When leaders take the time to reflect – really reflect – on their defining experiences, they develop a level of self-awareness that makes them more adaptable, more authentic, and ultimately, more effective. They don’t just improve themselves; they create a ripple effect, shaping the culture and resilience of the teams they lead.

Leadership is a human endeavour. It’s not about avoiding scars – it’s about embracing them. Because within every scar lies a story of growth, courage and transformation. And that’s what great leadership is all about.

Dr Shannon Richards-Green, executive coach, academic researcher and published author.

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