Is your chute open?
The start of a new year often brings reflection, intention and momentum. Yet one of the quiet risks for leaders is not failure, but stagnation. Not because of less capability, but because our curiosity slowly starts to fade.
Strong leadership is never static. It evolves through learning, unlearning and relearning. The leaders who thrive over time are those who remain mentally flexible, open to feedback and willing to challenge their own assumptions.
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.”
— Brian Herbert
A mindset that keeps moving
One of the most important leadership decisions we make, often unconsciously, is whether we continue to grow or quietly stand still.
Standing still rarely looks dramatic. It tends to show up as relying on familiar approaches, defaulting to what has worked before, or postponing reflection because things feel busy enough already. Yet leadership exists in a constantly shifting environment. Teams evolve. Expectations change. Contexts shift. What once worked well can slowly lose its effectiveness.
A mindset that keeps moving is not about chasing constant improvement or change for its own sake. It is about staying open – open to learning, open to feedback, open to the idea that there may be a more effective, more sustainable or more aligned way forward.
Leaders with this mindset ask different questions. Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” they ask “What can I learn from this?” Instead of defending decisions, they become curious about impact. Instead of seeking certainty through control, they build confidence through awareness and adaptability.
This way of thinking requires intention. Our brains are wired for efficiency, which often means repeating familiar patterns. Growth asks us to slow down just enough to notice those patterns and decide whether they still serve us. That pause is powerful – it creates space between stimulus and response, allowing leaders to choose deliberately rather than react automatically.
Lifelong learning does not only happen in training rooms or through formal education. It happens in everyday leadership moments – a challenging conversation, constructive feedback, or a reflection after success. Even success, when examined thoughtfully, can offer valuable insight into what truly drives positive outcomes.
I often return to the idea that the mind works best when it is open. Not empty. Not overloaded. But open and flexible. If you’d like to explore this metaphor further, you may enjoy this short reflection: A mind like a parachute.
At its core, a growth-oriented mindset is not about knowing more. It is about being willing to learn more. It allows leaders to remain relevant, grounded and effective over time. More importantly, it models a powerful message to others: learning is valued here, curiosity is safe, and growth is encouraged.
Leadership is not a destination. It is a practice. And a mindset that keeps moving keeps that alive.
Reflection
“Where might I be relying on what has worked before, rather than staying open to what could work better now?”
Support that meets you where you are
Leadership development works best when it feels relevant, practical and human. Below are a few ways I support leaders who want to grow without overwhelm.
1 : 1 Coaching
Coaching provides space to think clearly, challenge unhelpful patterns and make confident decisions aligned with your values. It’s not about fixing anything – it’s about being supported to see more clearly and act with greater certainty.
“I’ve recently completed 13 1-on-1 sessions with Martin Probst at PROfound Leadership, and it was an outstanding experience. Martin’s expertise, professionalism, and personalised approach made a significant impact on my growth – both within business and externally.” [Google review link]
If you’re navigating change, complexity or pressure, coaching offers focused, personalised support that adapts as you do. Find more information here.
Group training for leaders and teams
Group training creates shared language, practical tools and momentum across teams and organisations. The focus is always on application, not theory. Choose from a variety of human-centred topics – here are a few popular workshops:
Challenging behaviours
Interpersonal skills
Change agility
You can also download the full group training catalogue for an overview of all available workshops and formats.
eLearning
For leaders who want to keep growing without overwhelm, eLearning creates space for learning that fits around real life – at your own pace, with time to reflect and apply insights. One of our most popular courses is Building personal resilience.
- Strengthen emotional regulation and self-awareness
- Respond resourcefully under pressure
- Build habits that support wellbeing and performance
The course is self-paced, practical and designed to fit into real life, not add to the load. You can access the course here.
If any of this resonates, explore what feels most useful right now. There’s no rush and no pressure – leadership growth is not a race.
As always, if you have questions or simply want to talk through options, reach out.
We’re on your support team.