Shoulders Away from Ears

The Power of Intentional Practice for Leaders 

I first heard the phrase many years ago when I began taking Pilates:  

“Shoulders away from your ears, DeEtta.” 

All these years later, I still get that gentle prompt from my instructors. 

It seems so small. But every time I hear it, I’m reminded of how many things we do automatically—unnoticed and untended—that become deeply embedded patterns.

I also have the habit of holding my breath during strenuous poses. I don’t even realize I’m doing it. Breathing mindlessly. Reacting rather than responding. And it doesn’t seem like a problem—until I remember: breath and posture aren’t just physical cues. They shape how we move through the world. 

Control of breath, awareness of posture—these simple things impact so many facets of our well-being. That’s why I keep coming back to the ongoing effort of moving from mindlessness to mindfulness. From auto-pilot to intentional presence. These seemingly small, often overlooked habits make up the tapestry of our behaviors, our relationships, our impact. 

Leadership is much the same. 

We tend to look for breakthroughs in the big moments—in bold decisions, big pivots, public wins. But real leadership is built in the quiet, everyday practices. It’s the micro-adjustments. The posture corrections. The intentional breath. The way you respond in a meeting. The way you pause before reacting. The questions you ask, the space you hold, the assumptions you challenge. 

It’s also deeply relational. You can’t grow in isolation. You need a coach, a mentor, a guide—someone outside of yourself who can observe, reflect, encourage, and adjust. Someone who notices your metaphorical shoulders inching up, who says, “Try it this way instead.” 

Studies show that deliberate practice, combined with feedback, is the single greatest predictor of improvement—more than talent, intelligence, or experience. In fact, research from Harvard Business Review confirms that 70% of leaders who engage in regular, focused development practices report significant improvements in performance and engagement, both for themselves and their teams. 

And yet, we often treat leadership like a trait you either have or don’t have. That’s like assuming you can walk into a gym and lift 300 pounds on your first try. Leadership, like strength, is built—over time, with repetition, with form, and with feedback. 

That’s where the coach, guide, or mentor comes in. No matter how self-aware you are, you can’t see everything on your own. You need someone who can observe from the outside, gently point out that your shoulders are creeping up, your breath is shallow, your energy is scattered. Someone who can say, “Try it this way,” or “You’re doing better than you think.” That external reflection is not a luxury—it’s an accelerator. 

If you’re a manager, an aspiring leader, or someone who wants to deepen their impact, ask yourself: 

• What am I practicing—intentionally or unintentionally—every day? 

• Who is helping me see what I can’t see on my own? 

• Where am I building strength for what’s ahead? 

Because breakthroughs—in work, career, relationships, and personal goals—don’t come from wishing. They come from practice. From showing up again and again. From stretching, adjusting, and growing. 

So take a breath. 
Drop your shoulders. 

And remember: your leadership isn’t just one big moment. It’s a series of small, intentional ones, practiced consistently. 

Ever practicing,  

   – DeEtta