No subject in the sciences of management and organizational behavior has been more scrutinized than leadership. Philosophers East, West, ancient, and modern have written volumes about it. So too have famed generals down through the ages. A major part of the study of history is in fact a study of its leaders.

Yet, when organizations today are surveyed as to their most pressing unmet needs, the shortfalls of leadership inevitably top the list. How come an art and science so studied, dissected, and elucidated seems so difficult to put into practice?

The Ethics of Leadership

In our experience, the disparity between leadership knowledge and practice occurs because effective leadership is not just a set of attributes, processes, or roles, as it’s often depicted. Rather, leadership is an ethical stance in the world, a way of being, thinking, and acting. Effective leadership, in other words, is a question of character and depth. These are not properties likely to be developed in a weekend workshop. Where they are lacking, however, so will be leadership.

Leadership Development Goes Deeper

We work with individual leaders on a one-to-one coaching basis, as well as with leadership teams, to expand their understanding and application of leadership essentials in the workplace. This involves mentoring not only with respect to cognitive disciplines involved in leadership, such as strategic aptitude, but also in its behavioral and ethical dimensions, such as motivation, respect, and trust. As always, our emphasis is on inspiring change from the inside out. Every facet of effective leadership resides not far off in some lofty realm, but right there within each aspiring leader just waiting to be expressed.

This inner-directed approach helps individual leaders examine their core values, motives, and operating style and how their behavior, communication style, and presence actually impact others. We focus on the facts: valid 360° feedback from each leader’s sphere of influence. The process is not for the timid. Yet, learning what others really think of their approach proves life changing for many leaders.

Leadership in Action

Each leader we work with develops a Leadership Action Plan to build and strengthen the foundations of leadership throughout their work life. Means of monitoring progress based on evidence are central to the effort. This leadership development approach is also highly effective in a team format, where individual leadership team members can be candid about areas in which they struggle, and provide challenge, empathy, and honest feedback to support one another’s growth.