Inner work, awareness and reflection are key to self-development. The two interwoven layers to be accessed include Being and Doing. Several studies focus on competencies (Doing). While the inner layer has been studied as capacities, traits, values and needs, relatively fewer studies focus on the Being layer as comprising qualities of the Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Parts of Being. The quality of our Being and who we are adds a key dimension to our presence and how we act or behave. Hence, the current research is oriented towards building awareness at the Being level through the lens of inner strengths.



The study provides a holistic framework and measure of Inner Strengths at the Being Level using an integral approach. A two-phase sequential partial mixed method research design was adopted. Phase 1 had four studies (n=1114 of working professionals, leaders) wherein the measure was found reliable and valid with significant positive relations with Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, Wellbeing, Daily Functioning and Transformational Leadership; and negative association with Perceived Stress. A further additional step was undertaken to qualitatively validate the measure with respondents inner experience. The final measure had 47 items across 8 Parts of Being. In Phase 2, the study further qualitatively explored awareness and expression of these strengths with leaders through interview and reflective dialogue.



A significant contribution is the novel holistic conceptualisation of Inner Strengths at the Being level and development of an applicable measure. It adds to integral theory, practice and strengths theory through an alternative organising framework. In application, the measure and reflective dialogue supports self-awareness, meaning making and positive outcomes for leaders when expressing inner strengths. It enables inner work and potentially greater repertoire of resources and authentic self-expression.



Keywords: Self-Development, Inner Development, Holistic Framework, Inner Strengths, Self-Leadership, Self-Awareness, Being-Centred Approach, Integral Psychology, Leader Development, Leadership Development.