Why don't we want to look within?

Recently, I have had discussions with some customers who have said that they were interested in a significant change in results, but only want to spend time on behaviors.  I truly wrestle with this one, as it is has been a long held principle of the work we do at Innovations that behavior change is necessary but not sufficient for long term impact.   For that, we have always come from the perspective that to have significant impact, we need to look at our beliefs, attitudes and mindset first, then move to behaviors.   On a number of occasions, clients have told us that they agree with our model, but they do not believe that their employees are interested in personal reflection.

I believe that people do in fact look for personal growth--as students, they may take on a challenging internship or spend a year abroad.  As adults, we learn new sports, start businesses, take on new hobbies, quit smoking--all activities which at some point will take us our of out traditional comfort zone.   I know it is difficult sometimes to do, but once you take that step, it is truly refreshing and invigorating and opens up new avenues that previously did not exist.   Ultimately, if we want to grow as leaders, become more creative, or truly create inclusion, looking within is our beginning point.