The inner game of Leadership: The missing dimension in Executive Transitions
When executives transition into the C-Suite, organisations usually invest heavily in the technical side of onboarding: strategy sessions, market overviews, and financial briefings.
But our joint research with ida leadership revealed something was missing. Again and again, leaders told us that what shaped their success was not only what they knew, but how they showed up.
We call this the inner game of leadership, and it’s the hidden factor too often overlooked.
What is the inner game?
The inner game is the personal dynamic a leader brings to their role. It’s about:
Energy - how you show up each day and influence those around you
Authenticity - staying true to your values while adapting to a new culture
Purpose - connecting to why you chose to take on this challenge
Leaders told us these qualities shaped not just their own experience, but how others experienced them. As one CHRO put it:
“How you author who you are and your leadership story, that was the biggest learning for me.”
Beyond the leader: family and loved ones
One surprising insight was the role of family. A C-Suite transition isn’t just a professional journey, it can reshape the rhythm of life outside work.
Several executives told us that integrating personal life and family support into the transition was crucial for sustaining energy and impact.
Why it matters
Leadership today is less about technical mastery and more about human connection. The inner game is the foundation for:
Building trust quickly
Leading authentically in unfamiliar environments
Sustaining the energy needed for high-stakes roles
Without this foundation, even the best strategy will struggle to land.
What organisations can do differently
Our recommendations for organisations:
Provide executive coaching that goes beyond skills to focus on leadership impact
Create space for leaders to communicate their authentic style early
Include personal and family integration planning in onboarding programmes
And for leaders:
Invest in your own support systems, from coaches to mentors
Reflect on your purpose before stepping into the role
Be explicit about your style and values from day one
Rethinking success
Executive transitions are not only about “fitting in” technically. They’re about showing up with clarity, energy, and authenticity. The leaders who invest in their inner game don’t just succeed, they thrive.
Download the full report, Rethinking Executive Transitions, to learn more about the role of the inner game and the five behaviours that drive C-Suite success