Throughout my journey as a leader, business coach, teacher, and mentor, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t a final destination—it’s a continuous process of growth and self-discovery. I’m sharing this blog to delve deeper into a framework I’ve developed to help leaders enhance their personal effectiveness: the Leadership Wheel. This tool has been instrumental not only in my own leadership journey but also in guiding countless others I’ve had the privilege to coach and advise.
The Essence of Leadership
Before we dive into the Leadership Wheel, it’s important to reflect on what truly defines great leadership. Arthur E. Morgan captures this complexity beautifully:
“The best leader is one who most fully understands the nature of things, so that his plans are not doomed to ultimate failure; who possesses an active, far-ranging imagination which can see many possibilities; who has a sense of values, so that among possibilities he is able to choose the most excellent; who has a sense of order, to give form, design and program to the values and purposes he selects; who has practical sense and judgment, and so uses the most feasible means to accomplish his ends; and who has the energy and enthusiasm to carry his plans persistently toward fruition.”
This quote encapsulates the multifaceted nature of leadership—touching on vision, values, practicality, and perseverance. As we explore the Leadership Wheel, you’ll see how each of these elements plays a crucial role in effective leadership.
The Leadership Wheel: A Holistic Approach to Leadership Excellence
The Leadership Wheel is a comprehensive model that breaks down effective leadership into seven key areas. Each of these areas is essential for developing well-rounded leadership skills. Let’s explore each component in detail, with practical insights and applications.
1. Your Life: Balanced and Fulfilled
Effective leadership starts with how we conduct our personal lives, not just our professional ones. The most impactful leaders understand that their effectiveness stems from a balanced, well-rounded approach to life. This foundational aspect of leadership recognizes that personal well-being and integrity are intertwined with professional success.
For many leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sacrificing personal life for professional advancement. However, sustainable leadership requires a holistic approach that includes all aspects of life. By aligning personal values with professional goals, leaders achieve a level of authenticity and resilience that resonates throughout their organizations.
Key points:
- Build your life around what truly matters to you and your loved ones.
- Strive for integration, not just balance; we live one life, not two.
- Cultivate happiness as a daily reality, not just a distant goal.
- Prioritize your health; it should never be optional.
- Be a “giver” rather than just a “taker” in life.
- Cultivate relationships outside of work.
- Maintain perspective—very few things in life constitute a real crisis.
Leadership insight: I once worked with a CEO who was brilliant and driven, working 80-hour weeks and expecting the same from his team. However, this relentless pace led to burnout for both him and his employees. We worked together to establish boundaries and prioritize personal time. The result? His well-being improved, and his team became more productive and creative. By modeling work-life balance, he fostered a sustainable culture that actually accelerated the company’s growth.
Practical tip: Try the “life audit” exercise. List all the important areas of your life (family, health, work, personal growth, etc.) and rate your satisfaction in each area from 1 to 10. This visual representation helps identify areas needing more attention and balance.
2. Your Role: Leading and Facilitating
Leadership isn’t about being the star performer in every aspect of the business. Instead, it’s about having the vision and skill to bring together diverse talents and resources to achieve a common goal. Effective leaders understand their role as facilitators of success, guiding their organizations with clear vision and strategic direction.
This facilitator role demands that leaders operate at their “highest and best use” for the organization. It means focusing on activities that leverage their unique skills and perspectives while empowering others to handle tasks that can be effectively delegated. It’s about working ‘on’ the business rather than just ‘in’ it, driving strategic initiatives that shape the organization’s future.
Key responsibilities:
- Focus on what only you can do and guard your time zealously.
- Delegate decision-making and execution responsibility whenever possible.
- Be the Chief Accountability Officer.
- Embrace your coaching role with your leadership team members; grow your key people.
- Work “on” the organization, not just “in” it.
- Set the tone and keep crises to a minimum.
- Be consistently clear on what success looks like and how to achieve it.
- Effectively navigate the present while actively planning for the future.
Leadership insight: A client of mine was struggling with her transition from manager to leader. She was constantly putting out fires and handling day-to-day tasks, leaving no time for strategic planning. We worked to redefine her role, emphasizing delegation and big-picture thinking. By stepping back and adopting a “conductor” mindset, she harmonized her department’s efforts, driving significant improvements in both efficiency and innovation.
Practical exercise: Conduct a “role audit.” List all your current responsibilities and categorize them as “in the business” (day-to-day operations) or “on the business” (strategic planning, team development, etc.). Aim to shift your balance towards “on the business” activities.
3. Your Actions: Consistent and Effective
In leadership, actions speak far louder than words. The most inspiring and effective leaders are those who consistently demonstrate the behaviors and values they espouse. This alignment between words and actions is crucial for building trust, credibility, and a positive organizational culture.
Leading by example isn’t just about setting a positive example; it involves actively engaging with challenges, fostering accountability, and creating an environment where continuous improvement is the norm. Leaders who embody these principles in action inspire and motivate their teams, driving collective performance to new heights.
Key actions:
- Embrace your responsibility as a role model.
- Address your biggest challenges or opportunities today—don’t procrastinate.
- Focus on outcomes, not just activities.
- Maintain a sharp focus on organizational priorities; avoid distractions.
- Avoid micromanaging—hire right, give clear direction, and trust your team.
- Get out of the office and interact with your stakeholders.
- Always take time to debrief failures and celebrate successes.
Leadership insight: A client of mine, the head of a non-profit, was frustrated by the lack of collaboration among her team. We discovered a disconnect between the organization’s values of openness and the leadership team’s actual behaviors. They preached transparency but often made decisions behind closed doors. By implementing open forums for decision-making and actively soliciting input from all levels, she transformed the organizational culture, improving trust and engagement.
Practical tip: Keep an “action journal.” At the end of each week, reflect on your key actions and how they aligned (or didn’t) with your stated values and goals. This practice can help identify and correct any disconnects between your words and actions.
4. Your Knowledge: Continually Growing
In a world of rapid technological advancements and evolving business landscapes, a leader’s ability to learn and adapt is more critical than ever. The most effective leaders embrace a mindset of continuous learning, always seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
This commitment to ongoing education goes beyond staying current with industry trends. It involves developing a broad base of knowledge that allows for innovative thinking and cross-pollination of ideas. Leaders who cultivate diverse interests and engage with a wide range of topics are better equipped to navigate complex challenges and identify unique opportunities.
Key practices:
- Consistently invest in your brainpower.
- Maintain a regular reading schedule, including fiction and classics.
- Engage with people who challenge and stimulate your thinking.
- Embrace tough questions and be honest when you don’t know something.
- Learn from failures—they have no value unless you do.
- Allow time for daily planning and reflection.
- Push yourself to learn about areas outside your comfort zone, especially financial matters.
Leadership insight: One of my most successful clients, a senior executive in finance, attributes much of her success to her learning habits. She starts each day with an hour of reading and reflection, alternating between industry publications, leadership books, and fiction to stimulate creative thinking. Her commitment to learning has enabled her to anticipate market trends and lead her company through significant transitions.
Practical challenge: Choose a topic outside your area of expertise and commit to becoming knowledgeable about it over the next month. This could be a new technology, a different department in your organization, or a global trend affecting your industry. Share your findings with your team to foster a culture of continuous learning.
5. Your Team: Aligned and Committed
The strength of a leader is often reflected in the strength of their team. Successful leaders understand that their own success depends on the success of others. Building and nurturing a high-performing team is one of a leader’s most crucial responsibilities.
Cultivating team excellence requires a balance of challenge and support. Leaders must push their teams to reach their full potential while providing the resources and guidance necessary for success. This includes fostering a culture of constructive feedback, encouraging calculated risk-taking, and celebrating both individual and collective achievements.
Key team strategies:
- Always put the good of the team over the needs of any one individual, even if they are a top performer
- Choose team members carefully and address issues quickly.
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you.
- Spend the majority of your time with top performers.
- Foster constructive conflict that’s issue-driven, not personality-driven.
- Become an anti-silo zealot—nothing good comes from turf battles.
- Encourage opposing viewpoints until a decision is made.
- Build a team culture that aligns with organizational values.
Leadership insight: I worked with a client leading a new business venture. Initially, he staffed the team with individuals who rarely challenged his ideas, valuing harmony over innovation. When the project stalled, we reassessed his team composition. He began recruiting team members with diverse perspectives and encouraging respectful disagreement. The result was a dynamic, creative team that successfully completed the project and generated several spin-off innovations.
Practical exercise: Conduct a “team talent audit.” Assess each team member’s strengths, areas for growth, and alignment with organizational values. Use this information to create development plans and ensure you’re leveraging each person’s unique talents.
6. Your Decisions: Fact-Based and Inclusive
Decision-making lies at the heart of leadership. In today’s complex world, the ability to make timely, effective decisions often distinguishes outstanding leaders from the rest. This aspect of leadership involves not just deciding but also gathering information, analyzing options, and committing to a course of action.
Effective decision-making in leadership is about balancing thoroughness with timeliness. It requires the courage to act in uncertainty, the wisdom to consider long-term implications, and the flexibility to adapt when new information arises. Leaders must cultivate a decision-making approach that is both analytical and intuitive, drawing on data and experience to guide their choices.
Decision-making principles:
- Be decisive; avoid analysis paralysis.
- Understand your risk profile and push yourself appropriately.
- Make educated decisions based on facts, not just gut feelings.
- Consult affected parties, but don’t defer your leadership responsibilities.
- Don’t second-guess yourself or your team after making a decision.
- Remember that the most important decisions are always people decisions; never lower your bar in this regard.
- Build a network of advisors you can consult on major decisions.
Leadership insight: A client of mine, the COO of a medium-sized manufacturing company, struggled with making timely decisions. His fear of making the wrong choice often led to missed opportunities. We developed a decision-making framework that balanced thoroughness with timeliness. He now uses the “10-10-10” rule: considering the impact 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years from now. This approach has dramatically improved his decision-making speed and quality, leading to several successful strategic initiatives.
Practical tool: Create a decision log. For each major decision, record the context, the options considered, the final decision, and the rationale. Revisit this log periodically to review outcomes and refine your decision-making process.
7. Your Words: Thoughtful and Empowering
Communication is the lifeblood of leadership. The ability to articulate a vision, convey complex ideas, and inspire action through words is a hallmark of great leaders. Effective communication goes beyond eloquence; it’s about connecting with others in a way that motivates, clarifies, and builds trust.
Leaders must be adept at tailoring their communication style to different audiences and situations. This requires not just speaking skills but also listening skills. The most impactful communicators are those who are equally proficient in active listening, using the insights gained to shape their message and approach.
Communication guidelines:
- Think before you speak, especially on important matters.
- Be clear rather than impressive in your rhetoric.
- Match your communication strategy to the specific situation.
- Use humor and storytelling strategically.
- Be a skilled listener—people listen best to those they perceive as good listeners.
- Watch your body language; it sets the mood in the room.
- On all important matters, message repetition and consistency are key.
- Leverage your emotional capacity to make critical points when needed.
Leadership insight: I once worked with a brilliant technical leader who struggled to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. People often misunderstood or undervalued his ideas. We worked on tailoring his communication style to his audience, using storytelling and analogies to make complex concepts accessible. He also started regularly seeking feedback on his communication. The improvement was remarkable—his ideas gained more traction, and he became a much more effective leader, bridging the gap between technical and business teams.
Practical exercise: After your next important communication, ask several team members to summarize the key points. Their responses will give you valuable insight into how effectively you’re communicating.
The Ultimate Goal: Success and Happiness
As we navigate the various aspects of the Leadership Wheel, it’s important to remember the ultimate goal of leadership. Aristotle wisely said:
“All men seek one goal: success or happiness. The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society. First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal—a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends—wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end.”
This quote reminds us that true leadership isn’t about personal gain but about service to others and society. By mastering the various aspects of the Leadership Wheel, we can become more effective leaders, positively impacting our organizations, teams, and the world around us.
Conclusion: The Journey of Leadership
The Leadership Wheel provides a comprehensive framework for developing well-rounded leadership skills. It reminds us that leadership isn’t a destination but a continuous journey of growth and improvement.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider these questions:
- What legacy do I want to leave as a leader, spouse, father, friend, etc.?
- Am I truly allocating enough time and focus to what is important to me?
- How do I ensure my personal values and priorities align with my leadership style?
- Have I created a clear vision and path for success for the organization?
- Am I investing enough time in building and maintaining key relationships?
- How can I improve my delegation skills to focus on what truly matters?
- What steps can I take to stay connected with the front lines of my business?
- Am I continually learning and pushing myself to grow?
- How can I better support and develop my team members?
- What are my biggest decision-making challenges, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I improve my communication to be more effective?
- What daily habits can I cultivate to ensure I’m leading at my best?
Remember, great leaders aren’t born; they’re made through continuous effort, reflection, and a commitment to growth. By mastering the Leadership Wheel, you’re not just becoming a better leader; you’re creating a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond yourself.
Revisit this framework regularly. Consider establishing a quarterly reminder to reassess your progress in each area of the Leadership Wheel. Leadership is a lifelong journey, and the Leadership Wheel can serve as your compass, helping you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
What aspect of the Leadership Wheel will you focus on improving today? And how will you hold yourself accountable for this growth? Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step today, and watch as your leadership impact grows exponentially over time. And, remember, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal life in the process—quite the contrary.
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How to Use the Leadership Wheel Framework in 2026
Leadership is the cornerstone of any successful team or organization, and continual growth in this role is vital. Enter the "Leadership Wheel" a dynamic framework designed to help leaders evaluate, reflect on, and strengthen their leadership capabilities. Inspired by the widely recognized "Life Wheel," which emphasizes personal balance and well-being, the Leadership Wheel applies this concept to the professional sphere, offering a structured approach to leadership development.
This powerful tool enables leaders to assess key dimensions of their leadership, pinpoint strengths, and uncover areas for improvement. It serves as a self-reflection mechanism and a roadmap for actionable growth, making it an invaluable addition to any leadership toolkit.
In this blog post, I'll walk you through the core benefits of adopting the Leadership Wheel, share practical advice for integrating it into your leadership practices, and outline the critical questions to ask as you embark on this journey. Whether leading a small team or steering an entire organization, the Leadership Wheel offers a clear pathway to refining your skills and driving meaningful impact.
What is the Leadership Wheel?
The Leadership Wheel is a practical and visual framework designed to evaluate and enhance your leadership skills across key dimensions. Like the Life Wheel, which breaks personal life into categories like health, relationships, and career, the Leadership Wheel focuses on critical leadership domains essential for professional success. These include:
The Leadership Wheel is more than just an analytic tool it's a growth enabler. It helps identify areas for improvement and highlights your strengths, offering a balanced perspective. Regularly assessing and setting actionable goals in these areas makes the Leadership Wheel a compass for sustained leadership excellence and personal evolution." is missing below the " what is leadership wheel
How Frequently Should You Assess with the Leadership Wheel?
The frequency of using the Leadership Wheel depends on your personal development objectives and the demands of your leadership role. Here are some practical recommendations:
By tailoring the frequency to your needs, the Leadership Wheel becomes a versatile tool, enabling you to stay proactive and committed to continuous improvement throughout your leadership journey.
Critical Questions for Optimizing Your Leadership Wheel Assessment
Evaluate your leadership strengths and opportunities for growth by reflecting on these questions for each area of the Leadership Wheel. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to gain actionable insights:
Methods to Implement The Leadership Wheel
The Leadership Wheel is a practical tool designed to help leaders identify strengths, uncover areas for growth, and create actionable plans for continuous improvement. Using this framework, you can gain a holistic view of your leadership capabilities and develop a structured approach to enhance your performance. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the role, the Leadership Wheel offers clarity and direction to refine your skills and achieve your goals. Follow these steps to maximize the value of the Leadership Wheel and drive meaningful growth:
Design Your Leadership Wheel
The first step is to create your personalized Leadership Wheel. This tool can be crafted using a ready-made template, digital application, or sketching on paper. Identify the core leadership competencies that align with your role and responsibilities. These areas include communication, decision-making, adaptability, emotional intelligence, vision, and personal development. Tailor the wheel segments to reflect your leadership position's unique challenges and expectations. The customization of this wheel ensures it becomes a true reflection of your role and aspirations.
Assess Your Performance Objectively
Take a moment to rate yourself in each leadership area on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents a need for significant improvement and 10 reflects excellence. Be honest yet compassionate in your evaluation. Consider recent feedback, your own reflections, and examples of situations where your collaborative leadership skills were tested. The purpose of this exercise is to highlight areas for growth, not to dwell on perceived shortcomings.
Evaluate Your Results Thoughtfully
Once you've completed your assessment, step back and analyze your Leadership Wheel. Look for patterns: are there gaps or inconsistencies? Which areas emerge as your strongest assets? Which segments require more attention? Reflect on any surprises in your ratings, as these can provide deep insights into blind spots or hidden strengths. Use this analysis as a foundation for setting your developmental priorities.
Set Focused and Actionable Goals
With your results in hand, identify 2-3 specific areas to improve. Ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). For example, if communication is an area for growth, you could schedule weekly one-on-one meetings to foster better dialogue with your team. If decision-making needs refinement, focus on gathering diverse perspectives before making key choices.
Commit to Growth Through Action
This is where progress begins. Translate your goals into actionable steps. Seek out resources such as leadership workshops, books, or online courses. Collaborate with mentors who can offer guidance or feedback. Practice targeted techniques that align with your goals, such as stress management or active listening. The key is consistent effort small, intentional steps lead to meaningful improvement over time.
Regularly Revisit and Reflect on Your Journey
Leadership development is an ongoing process. Schedule monthly, quarterly, or annual check-ins to reassess your Leadership Wheel. During these reviews, reflect on your progress, celebrate successes, and identify new areas of focus. Adjust your goals as your role and responsibilities evolve. Celebrate even small achievements as they contribute to your growth and build momentum for continued improvement.
By following these steps, the Leadership Wheel becomes a dynamic tool for self-reflection, strategic action, and long-term leadership excellence. It empowers you to grow as a leader and create a positive, lasting impact on your team and organization.
Advantages of Using the Leadership Wheel
The Leadership Wheel is a versatile tool that offers many benefits for leaders striving for continuous growth and improvement. Here are its key advantages, along with additional insights into why it is an indispensable resource for leadership development:
Comprehensive Leadership Assessment
The Leadership Wheel provides a comprehensive overview of your leadership strengths and areas for growth. By evaluating multiple aspects of leadership such as leadership communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence you gain a balanced perspective on your overall effectiveness. It ensures that no critical area is overlooked, offering a well-rounded foundation for improvement.
Heightened Self-Awareness
One of the most impactful benefits of the Leadership Wheel is enhanced self-awareness. By regularly assessing your strategic leadership training capabilities, you become more attuned to your behaviors, thought patterns, and their effects on your team. This heightened awareness fosters emotional intelligence, enabling better interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring
The Leadership Wheel transforms self-assessment into actionable insights. By identifying weaker areas, you can set specific, measurable goals for improvement. Regularly revisiting the wheel allows you to track progress, refine your strategies, and ensure consistent growth in your leadership journey.
Boosted Team Performance
Your leadership growth directly influences your team's performance. A leader skilled in communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in leadership creates a positive work environment, boosting team morale, collaboration, and results. The Leadership Wheel helps you identify and strengthen these critical skills, ultimately elevating team outcomes.
Adaptable and Personalized Approach
The Leadership Wheel can be tailored to align with your unique role, organizational needs, or industry requirements. By adjusting the focus areas, you can make it a more relevant and effective tool for your leadership context, ensuring personalized development.
Promotes Ongoing Reflection
Incorporating the Leadership Wheel into your routine promotes regular reflection. By making leadership evaluation an ongoing practice rather than a one-time activity, you cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement, ensuring sustained growth over time.
Strategic Leadership Alignment
Beyond self-improvement, the Leadership Wheel helps align your leadership growth with broader organizational goals. By focusing on strategic areas of leadership, you ensure your development contributes directly to your team's and organization's success.
This combination of benefits makes the Leadership Wheel a powerful resource for leaders at all levels, offering a structured pathway for sustained personal and professional excellence.
Conclusion
The Leadership Wheel is a dynamic and practical tool designed to elevate your leadership capabilities. Offering structured programs and frameworks to evaluate your skills, establish meaningful goals, and monitor progress empowers you to become a more self-aware, effective, and strategic leader. Whether your focus is on enhancing team management, strengthening emotional intelligence, or sharpening decision-making, the Leadership Wheel provides clear guidance at every step.
Leadership development is a continuous journey, and Edstellar’s Leadership Training and Coaching Solutions empower organizations to foster sustained growth. By incorporating tools like the Leadership Wheel, these programs help leaders identify key areas for improvement, refine strategies, and achieve measurable results.
Through personalized coaching and focused training, leaders enhance core skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. These solutions align leadership growth with organizational goals, building high-performing teams and creating a culture of continuous improvement. With Edstellar guidance, organizations turn leadership challenges into opportunities, driving lasting success and excellence.
By Harrison Mitchel
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