The 5 Stages of Transformation
The 5 Stages of Transformation
A roadmap for inclusive leadership development
Transformation is more than change—it’s intentional growth of both performance and character. The 5 Stages of Transformation offers a clear, actionable path for cultivating inclusion as a source of lasting growth—for individuals and organizations alike.
Each stage unlocks a deeper level of growth, guiding leaders to expand their awareness, sharpen their skills, and embody the presence needed to lead with difference in mind. The model also supports the evolution of your inclusive leadership brand—how others perceive, trust, and choose to partner with you.
Understanding the 5 Stages
Inclusive leaders progress through the Five Stages in order—each stage building on the last.
While the journey is sequential, how leaders move forward varies based on the aspect of difference they are focusing on and where they are coming from – their own experiences, values, identities, and roles. Each stage introduces distinct knowledge and skills that build the mindset, behaviors, and habits of inclusive leadership.
Here's a look at the Five Stages and how they shape inclusive leadership growth:
Pre-Awareness
I don’t yet understand how a focus on leading inclusively will benefit me, my colleagues, and my organization.
Asks: “Why does this matter?”
Interest & Necessity
I am motivated to raise my awareness and start learning with colleagues and other stakeholders.
Asks: “Tell me a little more?”
Careful Practice
I experiment cautiously with a mix of awkwardness and confidence in skills, learning to contribute inclusively across various aspects of difference.
Asks: “How can I do this?”
Activated
I am becoming more confident in my growth as an inclusive leader. I more effectively solve problems and build trust across difference. I am sharing what I’ve learned and encouraging others to join me in leading inclusively.
Asks: “How do we do this together?”
Influencing
Others recognize me as a trusted resource for leading more inclusively, an accountable ally, a colleague with humility, and a leader with a clear point-of-view. I actively leverage my power and influence to work toward creating a more inclusive culture for everyone.
Asks: “Where can I share my power and use my influence?”
Bring the 5 Stages to Life in Your Organization
Our Five Stages Model is more than a framework—it’s a roadmap for building inclusive leadership at every level of your organization.
Whether you're launching or scaling your efforts, the 5 Stages of Transformation provide a consistent, measurable path to inclusive leadership growth—woven into every Greatheart solution, from workshops and facilitator training to our scalable Inclusive Leaders Program (ILP) Toolkit.
Let’s talk about about how the 5 Stages can support your organization’s growth.