An Ancient Model for a Quantum Age

We did not create the Character of Leadership model.  It is an ancient model and that is part of its power for today.  Leadership is a human endeavor and although people vary greatly at an individual level, as a group we fundamentally operate today in the same way we have operated since the beginning of recorded history.  With that foundation, we looked for a timeless model to support our notion that leadership is a function of character and for leadership to be great, character needs to be great as well. 

 

The model has its origins among the ancient philosophers.  Greek thinkers established the idea that a person possessed four cardinal virtues (we call them elements): courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. With the founding of the Christian movement, early church leaders added faith hope and love to the list.   

Today’s complex society and organizations are still human endeavors so the ancient model of character applies.  However, how it applies is bounded by the reality of our quantum age. 

 

 

When we use the word quantum we are asserting the following to be true:

  • The leadership arising from the leader’s character is connected to the context in which it is observed. The leader is an intimate part of a human system that she is both responsible for and accountable to.
  • The behaviors must adjust based on the circumstances and relationships in which the leader is operating.
  • These behaviors shift as they are observed by others engaged in the same system.

Keynote Speech by Phil Eastman II

Why Is This Model Important?

One need not look far to find the effects of leaders whose character is suspect.  Reading the headlines about political and corporate leaders quickly reveals that under pressure many of our most notable leaders cave.  While this is true many leaders both public and private demonstrate great character and great leadership every day.

How Do I Get Started?

Our experience is that leaders are motivated to do two important things; achieving short-term results and building a long-term legacy.  Given that then leaders need a foundational character and leadership model that will accomplish both.

In the book The Character of Leadership:  An Ancient Model for a Quantum Age we make the case that you should focus on these elements when developing leaders.  We invite you to:

Individually:

Organizationally:

  • Engage us to work with your organization
  • Develop a tailored approach to developing character and leadership in your people
  • Assess your leaders

Take a few moments and take our Free Assessment to get started. It will provide insight on your own leadership character. Encourage others in your organization to do the same! It's a great first step in engaging a leadership model that has proven itself throughout the ages but is still relevant and necessary today!