In today’s complex business environment, effective leadership requires a diverse set of skills and competencies. Recognizing this need, Team KatAnu has developed the Leadership Growth Wheel – an innovative framework that approaches leadership development as a continuous journey rather than a linear progression.
Why a Wheel?
The Leadership Growth Wheel, created by leadership experts Kate Megaw and Anu Smalley, is intentionally designed as a wheel rather than a linear scale. As Anu explains, “Leadership is not a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a continuum. There is no beginning, no ending to the wheel.” This circular design emphasizes the continuous nature of leadership development and the interconnectedness of different leadership competencies.
The Eight Domains of Leadership Excellence
The framework consists of eight essential domains, each containing three specific skills, creating a comprehensive set of 24 leadership competencies:
1. Self-Leadership The foundation of all leadership begins with self-leadership. As Anu emphasizes, “Put your own oxygen mask on first before you help others.” This domain includes:
• Self-awareness: Understanding your emotions, values, strengths, and limitations
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions and behaviors effectively
• Personal growth: Commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement
2. Relational Leadership Leadership cannot exist in a vacuum – it’s built on relationships. This domain focuses on:
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing interpersonal dynamics
• Conflict Management: Managing disagreements constructively
• Psychological safety: Creating environments where people feel safe to take risks
3. Strategic Leadership This domain encompasses the ability to set direction and make decisions that position organizations for future success:
• Strategic planning: Developing and articulating clear direction through vision, mission, and values
• Change management and innovative thinking: Leading through organizational changes
• Decision-making: Analyzing complex information for informed, timely decisions
4. Team Leadership The ability to guide and inspire groups toward shared goals includes:
• Motivation: Inspiring team members to achieve collective objectives
• Delegation: Effectively assigning responsibilities and empowering others
• Culture building: Creating positive, inclusive, and productive environments
5. Adaptive Leadership In today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, adaptive leadership is crucial:
• Problem-solving: Navigating uncertainty with innovative solutions
• Empathy in uncertainty: Supporting teams through ambiguity and change
• Continuous improvement: Adjusting approaches based on learning and feedback
6. Operational Leadership This domain focuses on optimizing day-to-day operations:
• Process optimization and risk management: Improving systems while managing risks
• Accountability: Establishing clear roles and responsibilities
• Resource management: Efficiently allocating and utilizing resources
7. Stewardship Leadership Leadership must be grounded in ethical principles and service to others:
• Community impact: Leading initiatives that positively influence broader communities
• Service orientation: Prioritizing team and organizational needs
• Ethical decision-making and advocacy: Balancing organizational goals with moral considerations
8. Partnership Leadership The ability to influence and guide without relying solely on positional authority:
• Influencing skills: Persuading others to support initiatives
• Negotiation: Reaching mutually beneficial agreements
• Stakeholder management: Building and maintaining key relationships
Implementing the KatAnu Leadership Growth Wheel
The Leadership Growth Wheel represents a comprehensive approach to leadership development that acknowledges both the complexity of modern leadership and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. By providing a structured yet flexible framework for growth, it helps leaders navigate the challenges of today’s business environment while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
1. Complete the Self-Assessment: Complete the Leadership Growth Wheel Assessment to understand your current leadership profile
2. Gap Analysis: Identify specific areas for improvement
3. Goal Setting: Create SMART goals for targeted development
4. Action Planning: Develop specific strategies for improvement
5. Progress Tracking: Work with an accountability partner to monitor growth
6. Continuous Adaptation: Regularly reassess and adjust your development path
Attend Office Hours with KatAnu if you want to discuss your assessment, results, or plan going forward.
Reach out to Team KatAnu with any questions.
As Kate and Anu emphasize, the goal isn’t perfection across all domains simultaneously. Instead, leaders should focus on the areas most relevant to their current challenges and organizational needs. The wheel serves as a guide for continuous growth and development, allowing leaders to adapt their focus as their roles and responsibilities evolve.