Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic intra‐individual perspective on leaders, which focuses on four components of the inner person of the leader; Being, Cognition, Spirituality, and Emotion, and on the observable components of Behavior and Relationships. Design/methodology/approach

Existing leadership literature is appraised within the context of the model. Previously‐proposed interrelationships among the components are enumerated. The paper suggests implications of the model regarding research content and methodology as well as leader development. Findings

The model implies that all components should be included in research and that interrelationships among components should be explored. Also implied is the use of methodological pluralism. Practical implications

Leaders should attend to all components in the model in their self‐development efforts. Originality/value

The paper takes an unusual approach to understanding leadership: an individual‐level holistic perspective.