One of the most powerful qualities a leader can cultivate is a strong sense of agency.
Agency is the belief—and the lived experience—that you have the ability to influence your circumstances, shape outcomes, and take meaningful action toward your goals.
It’s not about control over everything (no person ever has that), but about recognising where you do have influence, taking ownership, and moving forward with clarity and purpose. Leaders with a strong sense of agency don’t wait for perfect conditions; they create momentum, inspire others, and navigate uncertainty with belief in themselves.
Why Agency Matters for Leaders
In executive coaching, I often see capable leaders stall—not because they lack skills or knowledge, but because they feel stuck in external constraints. These leaders have an external locus of control, believing that outside forces have a bigger influence over their lives than they do. When this mindset takes hold, decision-making slows, energy drops, and opportunities pass by.
A strong sense of agency shifts the locus of control internally, resulting in you believing your own actions, efforts, and decisions influence your life. Leaders who believe in their capacity to act:
How to Strengthen Your Sense of Agency
Agency is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Here are some practical ways leaders can develop it:
1. Shift from “I can’t” to “What can I?”
Notice your language. Instead of focusing on what’s outside your control, ask: What options do I have right now? What small step could move things forward?
2. Clarify your sphere of influence.
Not everything is yours to solve. Define what’s within your direct control, what you can influence, and what you must accept. This clarity reduces overwhelm and channels your energy effectively.
3. Reframe setbacks as feedback.
When things don’t go as planned, leaders with agency treat it as data—not defeat. Ask: What can I learn from this, and how will I apply it?
4. Practice proactive decision-making.
Avoid the trap of waiting for more information, more alignment, or perfect timing. Leadership often requires deciding with incomplete data and moving forward with conviction.
5. Cultivate self-trust.
Agency rests on the belief that you can handle challenges as they arise. Build this by reflecting on past successes, acknowledging your strengths, and celebrating small wins
Agency as a Leadership Multiplier
When leaders embody agency, it cascades through the business. Teams feel more empowered, innovation flourishes, and accountability strengthens. In uncertain times, this quality isn’t just useful—it’s essential.
The truth is, very little is in our control, but what is in our control, is ourselves. You you can always choose how you respond. That choice—owned fully and acted on consistently—is what builds your sense of agency.