A Learning Practice of Leadership
Our model of leadership acknowledges that leadership, rather than being a role, is a practice that may be undertaken by anyone at anytime. Like all models, this one appears deceptively simple. Research and practical experience, however, reveal that in order for leadership development to be both meaningful and successful, it must be driven and modeled by those with formal authority, with the support of a specialist who can provide a variety of career and management frameworks that include timely feedback and tools for further development.
Tools and support for leadership development may take many forms including coaching, mentoring, training, facilitation and so on. The most critical ingredient to success is that it be an ongoing learning practice of leadership in a collaboration shared among management, subordinates and specialists within the context of an organization's mission and culture.