The Inner Development Guide

Being

Cultivating Our Inner Life

Deepening our awareness of inner experiences and their dynamic relationship with the world around us nurtures embodied presence, clarity of purpose, and thoughtful responses when we face complexity.

1. 

   B1 · Inner Compass

   A deeply felt commitment to live and act in accordance with values and purposes that serve the good of the whole.

2. 

   B2 · Integrity and Authenticity

   A sincere commitment to honesty and firmly grounded values, expressed and embodied in action.

3. 

   B3 · Openness and Learning Mindset

   A curious, adaptive attitude expressed through willingness to exchange perspectives, be vulnerable, welcome change, and grow.

4. 

   B4 · Self-Awareness

   Ability to be in reflective contact with thoughts, emotions, desires, and actions; to maintain a realistic self-image and to regulate oneself.

5. 

   B5 · Presence

   Capacity to be fully present in the here and now, to accept reality as it unfolds, and to respond in meaningful ways.

Thinking

Understanding Our Complex World

Expanding clarity, considering diverse perspectives, and imagining long-term consequences help us navigate complexity and make wiser decisions in our interconnected world.

1. 

   T1 · Critical Thinking

   Ability to reflect on the validity of ideas, evidence, assumptions and plans.

2. 

   T2 · Perspective Skills

   Ability to learn from diverse perspectives and integrate insights into reflective sense-making and action.

3. 

   T3 · Systems Thinking

   Ability to understand complexity and work with the interconnections and properties of systems.

4. 

   T4 · Long-Term Orientation and Visioning

   Imagining long-term goals and staying committed to them in ways that support broader societal and ecological well-being.

5. 

   T5 · Creativity

   Ability to think outside conventional patterns, imagine new possibilities, and shape them into transformative ideas.

Relating

Caring for Others and the World

Connecting with kindness, compassion, and a sense of shared belonging to communities, the living planet, and future generations helps us to create a more just, inclusive, and flourishing world.

1. 

   R1 · Appreciation

   Relating to people and planet Earth with a deep sense of gratitude, positive regard, and joy.

2. 

   R2 · Connectedness

   Feeling a sense of belonging to a larger whole, such as humanity, the planet's web of life, and the spiritual dimensions of existence.

3. 

   R3 · Humility

   Being able to respond to the needs of the situation without concern for one's own importance.

4. 

   R4 · Empathy and Compassion

   Connecting to others, oneself, and nature with kindness, care, and love, guided by the intention to reduce suffering.

5. 

   R5 · Forgiveness

   Willingness to transcend hostility, work through trauma, and create space for healing.

Collaborating

Building Trust and Working Together

Developing relationships of trust, acknowledging diverse values, skills, and perspectives, and creating safe spaces enables everyone to contribute to shared purposes and collective impact.

1. 

   C1 · Relationship-Building Skills

   Nurturing relationships with emotional intelligence grounded in trust, respect, mutual understanding, and a spirit of collaboration.

2. 

   C2 · Inclusive Mindset and Intercultural Competence

   Willingness and competence to embrace diversity and include people and communities with different perspectives and backgrounds.

3. 

   C3 · Co-Creation Skills

   Facilitating collaborative processes with diverse stakeholders, fostering teamwork and psychological safety, and being aware of power dynamics.

4. 

   C4 · Communication Skills

   Ability to listen deeply, foster genuine dialogue, advocate one's views skillfully, manage conflicts constructively and adapt communication to diverse groups.

5. 

   C5 · Mobilization Skills

   Inspiring and enabling others to engage in shared purposes and collective action.

Acting

Leading and Enabling Change

Moving forward with courage and optimism, building collective agency, and acting with purpose and persistence turns visions into meaningful change in uncertain times.

1. 

   A1 · Courage

   Standing up for fundamental values, making decisions, taking action, and, when needed, questioning and disrupting established structures and views.

2. 

   A2 · Hope and Optimism

   Building and sustaining a shared belief in our capacity to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

3. 

   A3 · Conscious Use of Resources

   Acting with awareness of the planet's limited natural resources, prioritizing conservation, regeneration, and frugality to avoid harmful consumption.

4. 

   A4 · Proactivity

   Practicing future-oriented, accountable stewardship in the face of urgent challenges, grounded in solidarity and care for human dignity and the living Earth.

5. 

   A5 · Resilience

   Navigating adversity with agility, staying engaged, and persevering even when progress is slow or uncertain.