In last week’s blog, we talked about the art of letting go—about how freeing it can be to release control over what we can’t change, and how important it is to manage our own emotions and responses instead. This practice, while deeply personal, is also foundational for leadership. As leaders, how we manage ourselves directly impacts how we lead others.

This brings us to a natural next step. How can we further develop ourselves, not just to enhance our inner growth, but also to expand our leadership abilities? One way is by exploring the timeless wisdom of Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements. These four simple yet profound principles provide guidance for living authentically. And, as we’ll see, they can also serve as a powerful roadmap for leadership.

The Four Agreements and Leadership Growth

Published in 1997, The Four Agreements has helped many people break free from limiting beliefs and behaviors, allowing them to live more fully and freely. And the beauty of these agreements is that they’re not just for personal growth. They can also have a transformative effect on leadership as well. 

So, let’s walk through how each agreement can deepen your personal work and, at the same time, expand your leadership capacity.

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

This first agreement invites us to use our words thoughtfully and with integrity. As leaders, the way we communicate matters. Our words can uplift, inspire, and build trust, or, unintentionally, they can confuse or hurt. Being impeccable with our word means speaking clearly, kindly, and truthfully, aligning what we say with who we truly are.

Coaching Tip: Each day, try to focus on being intentional with your communication. Ask yourself, “Are my words reflecting my values?” By practicing this regularly, you’ll find that trust grows naturally between you and those you lead.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

This one can be tricky, right? As leaders, we’re often on the receiving end of feedback—both positive and not-so-positive. But here’s the thing. What others say or do is often a reflection of their own perspective, not necessarily about us. Learning to not take things personally helps us stay grounded and make decisions from a place of clarity.

Coaching Tip: The next time you find yourself reacting to feedback, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “Is this really about me, or is it about the other person’s experience?” It’s a simple shift, but it can help you approach situations with more understanding and less emotional weight.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

We’ve all been there making assumptions about what others are thinking or what they need. In leadership, assumptions can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities. Instead, asking questions and communicating openly helps foster a culture of trust and transparency.

Coaching Tip: Embrace curiosity. Rather than jumping to conclusions, ask thoughtful questions. It’s easy to build a story based on assumptions, but digging deeper to uncover the real facts can open up amazing conversations and lead to stronger communication.

4. Always Do Your Best

This agreement is about effort, not perfection. Every day is different, and what we’re capable of one day might look different the next. But as long as we’re doing our best with what we have in the moment, we’re on the right track. As leaders, this mindset helps us show up consistently, and it also encourages our teams to embrace growth without the pressure of perfectionism.

Coaching Tip: At the end of the day, take a moment to reflect. Did you do your best with what you had? If so, celebrate that. If not, think about how you can adjust tomorrow. Encouraging this kind of self compassion in yourself and your team can foster a more positive and resilient culture.

Leadership Starts from Within

Ultimately, developing ourselves as individuals is what makes us more effective as leaders. The Four Agreements offer a pathway to not only becoming more centered and authentic but also growing as leaders who can inspire and uplift others.

In last week’s blog, we discussed the importance of letting go. The Four Agreements help us take this further—letting go of assumptions, the need for control, and external validation so that we can lead with greater freedom and clarity. 

When we focus on who we are as individuals, we naturally grow as leaders. And this is where the heart of leadership lies—in the ongoing journey of self discovery and self awareness. Without attending to who we are as people, it’s challenging to show up fully as leaders.

So as you move forward, consider how these agreements can help you not only deepen your personal work but also expand your capacity to lead with empathy, wisdom, and integrity. Which of these agreements challenges you the most right now? Reflect on what specific actions you could take to integrate it more fully into your daily life, and how doing so could support your personal growth and leadership development.

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