Goals, strategy, tactics, implementation, execution, results:
Buzzwords that drive how companies operate. They’re clear, tangible, and measurable — the backbone of corporate success.
Self-awareness, personal development, empathy, strength, vulnerability
These feel like they belong to a different universe: the realm of emotion and introspection. In many corporate settings, such traits are often considered “nice to have” but rarely essential to operations. They’re harder to quantify and their impact depends on individual growth, not charts or KPIs.
Steve Chandler distinguishes these two domains as the “goal line” and the “soul line.”
It takes courage for an executive to request a budget for soul line work — and while I’ve seen many champion it, I’ve also had such proposals sidelined for being “off the mark.” Clients have told me they’ve needed to “repackage” my workshops to get it past C-Suite. My suspicion is that soul line work may seem difficult to justify when numbers are down, volatility is high, and there’s no perceived time for the “soft stuff.”
Here’s the paradox: soul line work is not soft. It’s fundamental and strengthens the people that power the business. Without it, efforts to improve the goal line are fragile and short-lived. Yes, you can hit targets through fear tactics, urgency, or even shame — but the cost is a toxic work culture that eventually breaks down and pushes out valuable talent.
The same applies to our own lives. We prioritize output and efficiency, brushing aside reflection and connection. Time to meditate? Not today — too many emails. Ask a colleague about their family? Not now — we have to get through the agenda.
This is the missed opportunity: we undervalue the soul line because its benefits don’t show up on a quarterly earnings report. But if we truly want sustainable growth — in organizations, leadership, and life — we must make space for the inner work. Not as an afterthought but as a core strategy. When we are grounded, self-aware, and connected, we are better leaders, innovators, and builders of thriving environments.
The soul line isn’t a distraction from the goal line. It’s the foundation of it.
Ignoring the soul line isn’t just a corporate issue. When under pressure, we’re tempted to skip the very practices that are most grounding. When we return to these practices — journaling, breathwork, checking in with ourselves or someone we care about — we show up more as more compassionate and focused individuals. Soul line practices don’t take time away from success; they make it possible.
Actionable Steps
Here are a few practical ways to start integrating soul line work into your daily life — no budget approval required:
- Daily Pause – Take 3 minutes in the morning to breathe deeply, reflect, or simply sit in silence before jumping into your day.
- Check In, Don’t Check Off – Start your next team meeting with a quick emotional check-in: “What’s one word to describe how you’re feeling today?” This informs how we communicate and show up for each other professionally and personally.
- Calendar the Soul – Block time each week for reflection, coaching, or learning something that enriches you, not just your skillset.
- Practice Curiosity – Ask one genuine, non-work-related question to a colleague this week. Really listen and be present for their response.
- Personal Audit – Once a month, ask yourself: Am I investing in myself as much as my work? Where can that balance be readjusted?
Small steps toward the soul line can create big shifts in yourself, your team, and the results you ultimately deliver. If you’re ready to get serious about the soul line, book your free workshop consultation today.
