The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) are a breakthrough framework gaining global recognition for their ability to unlock human potential and drive systemic change.
Launched in 2020 by some of the world’s leading thinkers and researchers in human behaviour, the IDGs offer a comprehensive approach to personal and collective growth enabling impact. This initiative is rapidly expanding, embraced by leaders across the globe who see the power of inner development in addressing the complex challenges and sustainability issues we face in todays world.
What are the IDGs?
The IDGs are a set of skills, organized into five dimensions, that empower individuals and teams to better understand themselves, relate to each other and stakeholders, and take effective action.
These five dimensions—Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting—provide a roadmap for developing the qualities necessary for thriving in today’s uncertain and interconnected world. Each dimension is associated with 23 specific skills, which act as building blocks for cultivating leadership and fostering meaningful collaboration.
Inner growth leads to outer change
The IDG movement is rooted in the belief that if we want to solve the world’s most pressing problems—whether it’s climate change, inequality, or economic instability—we must first look inward. By cultivating the skills and mindsets necessary for deep collaboration, critical thinking, and courageous action, we can create ripple effects that extend far beyond our individual or organizational boundaries.
Businesses and leaders, are in a unique position to influence the world for the better. By embracing the Inner Development Goals, they can foster not only greater success within their organizations but also contribute to a global movement that prioritizes human growth and collective well-being. The message is clear: inner growth enables outer change.
The Five Dimensions of the IDGs
Being
Inner Compass: Having a sense of responsibility and commitment to core values to navigate complexity with clarity.
Integrity and Authenticity: A commitment and ability to act with sincerity, honesty and integrity, creating a foundation for genuine collaboration and engagement, building trust and fostering a culture of transparency.
Openness and Learning Mindset: Being curious, open to new experiences, and willing to embrace change and growth.
Self-Awareness: Reflecting on one’s thoughts, emotions and reactivity to develop a realistic self-image and ability to regulate oneself.
Presence: Cultivating the ability to be fully engaged in the moment without judgment and maintaining a state of mindfulness. The basis for listening deeply and connect more authentically with others.
2. Thinking
Critical Thinking: Evaluating information, evidence and views critically and question assumptions to make informed decisions.
Complexity Awareness: Recognizing the interconnections between issues, understanding the broader systems at play, and identifying how different variables interact to find holistic solutions.
Perspective Skills: Seeing challenges from multiple viewpoints and considering different perspectives to understand them. This is key to find solutions that are inclusive and innovative.
Sense-making: Building the ability to synthesize and interpret ambiguous and complex information and create a coherent understanding of it in relation to the bigger picture, to draw meaningful conclusions.
Long-term Orientation and Visioning: Thinking beyond immediate concerns to consider future impacts and solutions that sustain long-term value, ensuring sustainability and alignment with larger goals.
3. Relating
Appreciation: Relating to others and to the world with a basic sense of appreciation, gratitude and joy.
Connectedness: Understanding and feeling a sense of belonging to a larger ecosystem, humanity, and the planet.
Humility: Acting with an awareness of one’s role in the broader system, without concern for one’s own importance.
Empathy and Compassion: Relating to others, oneself, and nature with kindness, empathy and compassion and a desire to alleviate suffering.
The “Relating” dimension strengthens the interpersonal dynamics within teams/organizations, fostering environments where collaboration and mutual respect thrive.
4. Collaborating
Communication Skills: Developing the ability to really listen to others, to foster genuine dialogue, to advocate own views skillfully, to manage conflicts constructively and to adapt communication to diverse groups.
Co-creation Skills: Building, developing and facilitating collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, characterized by psychological safety and genuine co-creation.
Inclusive Mindset and Intercultural Competence: Embracing diversity and including people with different views and backgrounds.- Trust: Showing and giving trust to create and maintain trusting relationships.
Mobilization Skills: Inspiring and motivating others to engage in shared purposes.
The “Collaborating” dimension empowers leaders to harness the collective intelligence of their teams, fostering creativity, innovation and progress on shared concerns.
5. Acting
Courage: Standing up for values, making decisions, taking decisive action, if needed by callenging and disrupting existing structures and views.
Creativity: Generating original, innovative ideas and being willing to disrupt conventional patterns.
Optimism: Sustaining and communicating a sense of hope, positive attitude and confidence in the possibility of meaningful change.
Perseverance: Sustaining engegament and remain determined and patient even when efforts take a long time to bear fruit.
The “Acting” dimension transforms intentions into tangible outcomes, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven leadership that creates lasting impact.
By nurturing these five dimensions—Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting—leaders and organizations can unlock their full potential to address complex challenges with clarity, empathy, and resilience. These dimensions build upon one another, creating a holistic framework that supports personal growth, enhances team dynamics, and empowers organizations to tackle the global challenges we face today.
How can Terra&Mind support you?
Awareness
IDG Tasting and Inspiration Session
Into action
Training basic skills via the ‘Mind Your Mind training’ : The Mind Your Mind training provides a clear path to mastering self-leadership, the ability to consciously steer your life in alignment with your values and goals. It begins with self-awareness, understanding how your thoughts, emotions, and habits shape your behavior. This awareness helps you make intentional, strategic choices rather than impulsive ones.Improved self-leadership enhances resilience, creativity, and empathy, empowering you to make better decisions and foster a culture of trust and inclusivity. Ultimately, it is the foundation for sustainable leadership, driving long-term impact and change.
Improving team dynamics, connectedness and trust via Team Coaching.