Inspiring Leadership: Moving from Victim to Hero

You can often sense when someone’s in victim mode—long before they say a word.

If the body language doesn’t give it away, their tone of voice will. It’s rarely what they say, but how they say it.

About eighteen months ago, I noticed a pattern in workplaces everywhere. Most of us operate from one of three character archetypes at any given time: Victims, Villains, or Heroes.

And right now, more than ever, we need more heroes—at every level of our organisations, our communities, and our society.

Why Inspiring Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness

Here’s the truth: we all slip into victim mode from time to time. It’s human. And it’s okay—as long as we notice it and move on quickly, especially if we’re in a position of leadership.

While we’re usually quick to recognise victim mode in others, it takes a high degree of self-awareness to spot it in ourselves. And self-awareness is one of the defining traits of inspiring leadership.

Some common signs of victim thinking include:

• Focusing on why something can’t be done, rather than how it could work

• Fixating on the past instead of shaping the future

• Blaming others instead of taking ownership

• Waiting for opportunities instead of creating them

• Using disempowering language like “I can’t because…” or “That’ll never work…”

Left unchecked, this mindset holds individuals—and entire teams—back.

From Victim to Hero: The Path to Authentic, Inspiring Leadership

We need more people to step into the hero mindset in every corner of society, from boardrooms to classrooms. We need leaders who choose to uplift, energise, and inspire.

Because inspiring leadership isn’t about charisma or bold speeches.
It’s about how you show up, every day.

To inspire means to leave others with more energy than when they met you.
To be a radiator, not a drain.

And the science backs this up.

Studies on emotional contagion show that moods spread like viruses. A leader’s mindset and energy can either infect a team with fear and frustration—or elevate them with clarity and calm. And this effect is strongest in the morning, setting the tone for the entire day.

Three Practices That Fuel Inspiring Leadership

Here are three practical steps I share with my private leadership mentoring clients—tools you can use to avoid slipping into victim mode and strengthen your ability to lead with inspiration:

1. Reflect to Lead with Intent

Start a short daily journaling practice. Reflect on your leadership over the past 24 hours. Where did you step up? Where might you have drifted into victim thinking? This isn’t about judgement—it’s about awareness.

2. Anticipate Leadership Triggers

Don’t wait for the moment to catch you off guard. Ask yourself: When do I typically feel triggered? Who or what situations pull me out of my best self? Noticing the patterns gives you power.

3. Plan for Inspiring Action

Once you’ve reflected and anticipated, make a plan. How will you respond differently next time? Maybe it’s a mindset shift, a breathing technique, a new meeting structure, or a simple pause. Small changes make a big difference.

Inspiring Leadership Is a Choice—Every Day

To lead is both a great privilege and a great responsibility.

We need more leaders who inspire—not by pretending to have all the answers, but by being present, real, and courageous in the face of challenge.

The world needs more heroes.

You can be one of them.

 

If you’re ready to grow into the kind of inspiring leader your team and organisation need, I can help.
Through my 1:1 coaching programmes and Strengthscope® feedback tools, we’ll work together to identify your unique strengths, shift unhelpful patterns, and increase your impact.

Your coach,