Ecological crises, societal inequalities and rapid technological advances are creating a landscape of uncertainty, anxiety and disconnection. Yet amidst these challenges lies a profound opportunity for leaders to redefine their approach to success — not through isolated ambition but through deeply human, connected and resilient frameworks.
One such approach is the Secure Base Model, a concept rooted in caring, daring and sharing. Adopting secure base principles can transform your aspirations into powerful drivers of personal growth, organizational success and societal impact. By reframing goals as present-tense commitments and leveraging secure bases for support and challenge, executives can navigate the uncertainty of 2025 with resilience and hope.
The secure base model: Caring, daring and sharing
At its core, the Secure Base Model blends two critical forces: caring (providing emotional support, demonstrating interest and giving a sense of acceptance) and daring (challenging individuals to stretch beyond their comfort zones). A secure base could be a person, a principle or an environment that nurtures growth while encouraging risk-taking and innovation. When this is combined with sharing, or the willingness to build connections and exchange knowledge, the Secure Base Model becomes a powerful tool for transformation.
In an era where leaders are grappling with both external pressures and internal challenges, secure bases provide a critical anchor. They act as both a psychological safety net and a launchpad for bold action. By cultivating secure bases, executives can empower themselves and their teams to thrive even amidst uncertainty. In the words of Peter Meyers, the CEO of Stand & Deliver: “Being a secure base to another person comes with a great responsibility. There is a dilemma that coaches, and leaders often fall into: do I coddle or do I push? In the long run, neither is effective. It’s a false dilemma. Effective coaches nurture and challenge simultaneously. Secure base leadership and coaching starts by recognizing the humanity behind every person in the room.”
The urgency for change
The global urgency for transformation is stark. According to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, humanity is alarmingly off-track to achieve the 2030 targets. Whether it’s combating climate change, reducing inequality or fostering peace, progress has been insufficient. This stark reality reflects not just systemic challenges but also a deep disconnect between individual and collective action.
Recognizing this, the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) emphasize that external change begins with internal transformation. The IDGs acknowledge that humanity’s capacity to drive sustainable change depends on cultivating behaviors across the five core dimensions of being, thinking, relating, collaborating and acting. As stewards of influence, leaders must embody this change by aligning personal growth with societal impact.
The cost of disconnection
While technology has transformed communication, it has also fueled a paradoxical rise in disconnection, anxiety and loneliness. Studies show that despite being more “connected” than ever, individuals report higher levels of social isolation. This disconnection has profound implications for leaders. Without secure bases — be they in personal relationships or professional environments — executives risk burnout, decision paralysis and diminished creativity.
Moreover, anxiety fueled by uncertainty weakens not only individual resilience but also team cohesion. Secure bases counteract this by fostering trust, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. Leaders who prioritize human connection create cultures where employees feel valued and empowered, amplifying collective resilience in the face of challenges.
Reframing success: Start with the present
One of the most common pitfalls of professional or personal goals is their future-focused framing. Statements like “I will exercise more” or “I want to reduce stress” subtly signal to the brain that change can be deferred. The result? Procrastination and eventual failure.
You can overcome this by writing goals in the present tense and framed positively.
For example:
- Instead of “I want to lose weight,” say, “I am a person who makes healthy choices.”
- Instead of “I will manage stress better,” say, “I am someone who practices mindfulness daily.”
When framed in this manner, this subtle but powerful shift signals to the brain that change is already happening, increasing the likelihood of alignment between actions and goals. Additionally, taking immediate steps — within the first 72 hours — builds momentum and reinforces the commitment.
For senior executives, this reframing is particularly potent when tied to secure base principles. Secure bases provide both the support to stay aligned with these present-tense resolutions and the challenge to push beyond inertia and comfort zones.
From surviving to thriving: Playing to thrive amid uncertainty
Secure bases play a pivotal role in helping leaders achieve their goals. They:
- Provide emotional safety (caring): Goals often involve confronting vulnerabilities, whether it’s improving health, fostering relationships or enhancing leadership skills. Secure bases offer the psychological safety needed to take these steps.
- Encourage accountability (daring): A secure base doesn’t just support; it also dares individuals to rise to the occasion. By setting high expectations and offering constructive feedback, secure bases help leaders push beyond self-imposed limits.
- Foster connection (caring): Whether through mentorship, peer networks or collaborative teams, secure bases build a sense of shared purpose. This counters isolation and amplifies motivation.
The concept of “play to thrive” encapsulates this approach. When leaders feel secure — both emotionally and professionally — they are more willing to take calculated risks, explore innovative ideas and engage in collaborative problem-solving. By sharing successes and failures transparently, the organization builds trust and collective resilience. This mind shift is essential in addressing the multi-dimensional crises of our time, from climate action to digital transformation.
A call to action for leaders
As you craft your 2025 goals, consider these steps to align your intentions with secure base principles:
- Anchor goals in the present tense: Frame your goals as if they are already a part of your identity. For example, “I am a leader who prioritizes sustainability in every decision I make.”
- Create a secure base ecosystem: Identify people, values or environments that provide both support and challenge. Nurture these relationships and reciprocate by being a secure base for others.
- Take immediate action: Commit to a tangible step within the first 72 hours. Whether it’s scheduling a conversation, starting a new habit or setting up a feedback loop, early momentum is key.
- Align goals with the SDGs and IDGs: Reflect on how your personal goals intersect with global imperatives. As a leader, your actions can inspire broader societal impact.
In an increasingly uncertain world, leaders have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to embody resilience and hope. By embracing the Secure Base Model, they can create environments where individuals and organizations don’t just survive but thrive.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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