E228: Self-Transcendent Leadership: Enabling Others to Flourish
A Journey Toward Self-Transcendent Leadership
In January 2023, I began a long-term goal to earn a Master's degree. Initially, my intentions were to learn, grow, and yes, to "check that box" that I had a Master's degree. While I did all three of those things, earning my degree in December 2024, what really happened is that I examined my leadership, who I was, who I was becoming, how I impacted others around me, and how I wanted to lead for the rest of my career. As I look back, I learned that enabling others to thrive was a core part of self-transcendent leadership.
When I enrolled in the Gonzaga University Master's of Organizational Leadership program, I would not have described myself as selfish. Yet through my coursework and reflections, I learned I had several self-embedded leadership behaviors. As I looked more closely, I learned that these behaviors stifle or inhibit others' growth and development. By learning how to be more self-transcendent, focusing on others, and the greater good of the organization and people, a few things happened. Firstly, I became a more effective leader. Secondly, I enjoyed work more. Thirdly, I experienced more positive organizational outcomes.
In this episode of the PCS to Corporate America Podcast, I share some of my journey, explain why being self-transcendent is so important and necessary, and the steps we can take immediately to be less selfish and more serving of others and our organizations.
Self-Transcendent Leadership: Going Beyond Yourself
In transitioning from the military to a business leadership role, it’s easy to focus on personal goals—promotions, achievements, recognition. These are not bad. However, as leaders, our greatest impact comes when we go beyond ourselves. Self-transcendent leadership, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, means pursuing purpose beyond personal gain—serving others, creating excellence for its own sake, and finding meaning even in challenges.
Why It Matters In Business
We all live and work within organizations: companies, teams, boards, and communities. Leaders profoundly shape whether these organizations enable people to flourish or become stifling. In our work organizations, where we spend most of our waking hours, leaders have a duty to create environments where team members feel valued, engaged, and able to use their talents. This responsibility is especially critical for those making the leap from military service, where purpose and camaraderie are deeply ingrained.
Practical Ways to Lead Beyond Yourself
Self-transcendence doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s built in everyday moments. For example:
Be present in conversations.
Show genuine curiosity about your teammates.
Smile and greet people each morning.
Offer a word of encouragement or practical help, like bringing someone coffee.
And when tough decisions arise—such as giving candid feedback or reorganizing a team—lead with honesty, kindness, and a commitment to the other person’s long-term good.
Questions to Guide Your Journey To Self-Transcendent Leadership
Ask yourself:
How do I want others to be different because of my leadership?
What do I need to let go of to lead for others, not just myself?
As Frankl wrote, “It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expects from us.” In your transition to business, consider—what does your organization expect of you right now, and how can you answer with leadership that transcends self-interest?
The Cameron-Brooks Mission
Our mission at Cameron-Brooks is to help guide officers through the transition and accompany them along the journey to de-risk the process of transitioning to the civilian world and help them reach their goals.
We aim to equip JMOs with the tools and the necessary reflection and preparation required to successfully transition into leadership developmental roles that will allow them to use their talents and skills to lead teams and organiza...
