Some 40 years ago, while working on my doctorate, I enrolled in an advanced course in Italian literature to satisfy the language requirement. Because of my Italian heritage, I studied the language for three years in college, and growing up in a large family that spoke the language, I chose Italian.
I expected the severe academic obstacle that it was. However, I was surprised when I read Dante’s book Hell in its original form in Italy. I realized that I admired not only the poetic form, but also the allegory and hidden meaning of this masterpiece. Only decades later, after your trainer Did I realize that Dante had quietly given me a map of human development that would be the missing piece not only in the puzzle of my own psychological work, but that of my clients as well.
Dante begins in Hell, not Heaven, but before he ascends there is a descent. The Greeks called it katabaz– a journey beneath the surface to what is hidden. This image has stayed with me for so long leadership development emphasizes only ascent: becoming more stable, more strategic, more confident, more efficient. These dreams are important. But that only tells half the story.
In Republic of Plato suggests that our deepest problems are not flaws reconnaissance but not knowing oneself. Not knowing is just not knowing; it misleads our assumptions, fears and habits into reality. We are divided within ourselves. One part dreams wisdom while the other quietly defends old identities and protects the familiar.
Over the years, I have seen both personal development and leadership emerge in three movements.
First comes the understanding of the virtue we seek.
Next comes the more difficult movement: descending into the shadow that haunts it, acknowledging it, owning its full meaning, and then coming to terms with its role and purpose in our lives. It can be like a defense mechanism or a good habit that has become ineffective.
Finally comes practice—slowing down enough to notice the uncomfortable feeling in our stomach, or the quickening of our breathing and speech. Eventually, we get enough of the conditioned response pattern to direct ourselves back to our neocortex, make a decision, and ultimately respond with the virtue we desire. Over time, we see ourselves differently, until virtue is less something we do and more someone we’ve become.
Resistance shows the pattern. We appreciate a leader who never quits, but what looks like persistence can be to refuse. Under constant performance most of the time fear weakening or disappointing others.
so confidence can cover anxiety. One executive I coached, who was impressed with his operational excellence, believed that a leadership presence made more sense. Together we learned that his confidence protected him from vulnerability. As awareness grew, presence came naturally. He no longer needed to be sure as he was becoming more comfortable with himself.
Projection often the door to this is a deeper work. The traits that annoy us most in others often reveal conversations we haven’t had with ourselves yet. Katabasis invites another question: What part of this reaction belongs to me? Conflict becomes less of a problem to be solved and more of a mirror in which we see the fragmented parts of our soul.
None of this happens without mental safety. When we feel threatened, we become defensive. When we feel safe, curiosity takes the place of certainty, and feedback becomes less judgmental than gift. A mentor, colleague, or trusted friend can create a space where honest observation is possible.
modern neurology in an unexpected way, it corresponds to these ancient understandings. Lisa Feldman Barrett asserts that our emotions are shaped by projections that are formed from past experiences. We not only perceive reality; we explain it before we know we’re doing it. Plato described ignorance philosophically. Barrett helps explain it neurologically. Both call us to greater awareness.
Looking back, I smile at the younger version of myself working on Dante’s epic prose. I thought I was just studying languages to fulfill the requirements of my doctoral work. In fact, I started a life education in leadership and the human spirit.
Every meaningful life requires us to make two journeys. One is upward towards wisdom, courage, compassion and excellence. The other is fearful, foreboding, and downward-looking unconscious assumptions that quietly rule our lives. Dante could not reach Heaven by avoiding Hell. We can’t either.
Perhaps the way of development can be remembered with three simple words: Endeavor. Light. Incarnation. We strive for those virtues that we value. We shed light on the hidden fears, projections, and assumptions that hide them. And through deliberate practice, we embody those virtues until they become our character, not our performance. Sometimes the bravest step up begins with a willingness to step down.
