The Universal Model of Leadership

The Universal Model of Leadership is the only comprehensive model that integrates the fragmented field of leadership development; that is business relevant; that is supported by metrics, measurement, and research; and that has been applied with a track record of success.

Connecting the pieces

Our founder, Bob Anderson, noticed early on that the field of leadership was a random collection of great stuff: a plethora of models, research studies, theories, and bodies of work, each aimed at explaining some aspect of human behavior, capability, or awareness that when applied to leadership promises greater effectiveness. Yet the field wasn’t integrated. None of the various models, theories, and research related to any of the others. Each used its own framework and language. There was no universal model that tied everything together into one complete framework that explained what constitutes great leadership and how it develops.

Without fully realizing what he was up to, Bob set out to integrate it all. He asked the question:

What if there was a better model of leadership—one that:

  • Integrates the best theory and research on leadership, human, and spiritual development, and is as complex (and elegant) as the complexities that leaders face today?
  • Radically shifts our understanding of what extraordinary leadership is and how we can champion its development?
  • Is dynamic, such that if we change a limiting belief and its associated behavior, certain predictable effective behaviors and results naturally emerge?

Why a Model?

  • Models help explain how things work.
  • A good model is dynamic; it moves with the variables in predictable ways and explains the causal relationships.
  • A better model of leadership means more effective leadership and better business results. Our efforts at developing effective leaders often fall short because we do not understand what leadership is and how it develops—most maps and models are inadequate to the challenge; the Universal Model of Leadership is different.

A model takes shape

Bob worked on the model for 20 years as it went through various transformations. He wove together the threads of the best theory and research from the fields of Leadership, Organization Development, Psychology, Success Literature, and Human Potential. He also sought the integrated framework that was developing to be aligned with the wisdom of the world’s great spiritual traditions. The model took a final metamorphosis as it integrated the latest research on Adult Development theory.

He field-tested each phase as it evolved and matured, the model gained traction. Its impact became profound for Bob and his clients. Leaders found it unique, business relevant, and helpful in guiding their development. Bob’s next step was to create the Leadership Circle Profile, a 360° leadership assessment that measures and provides leaders feedback through the lens of the entire model.

The Universal Model of Leadership is a breakthrough.

We know that this is a bold claim, but we have experimented with the best our field has produced. While much of it is useful, we can assure you that, until now, there has never been a comprehensive model of leadership that integrates the fragmented field of leadership development; that is business relevant; that is supported by metrics, measurement, and research; and that has been applied with a track record of success.

What can we achieve with the Universal Model of Leadership?

For an Individual

The Leadership Circle Profile is a leadership assessment that measures and provides leaders feedback through the lens of the Universal Model. It is the only instrument that measures the two primary leadership domains – Creative Competencies and Reactive Tendencies – and integrates this information so that key opportunities for leadership development immediately rise to the surface.

For a Team

The Leadership Culture Survey™ delivers a powerful “MRI” of your leadership culture. Our survey can be used for your entire organization or for a specific leadership team. Leadership Culture Survey reveals valuable data that tells you how your people view their current leadership culture and compares that reality to the optimal culture they desire.

For an Organization

The Leadership System is a complete and integrated system for enhancing the effectiveness of individual and collective leadership for your entire organization. Components of the System are built on and around the same foundation as The Leadership Circle Profile and provide an ongoing systemic approach for lasting change.