About Authentic Leadership, Inc.

Dan believes that there are two central works every leader must be about if he or she is to accomplish his/her life purpose. A leader must concurrently develop both their external and internal worlds if they want to make a difference over the long haul. In this regard, a sailboat is a grand metaphor. Just as a sailboat has above-the-waterline and below-the-waterline dimensions to it, so leaders have facets that are seen (external) and unseen (internal).

•  Above-the-waterline (external). Activities driven by competence :

•  Methods, skills, strategies and behavior patterns

•  Below-the-waterline (internal). Activities driven by character :

•  Spiritual growth, emotional growth and thought patterns

While competence is easily recognized, measured, developed, and rewarded, authentic leaders must simultaneously develop their character. This below-the-waterline dimension to leadership is more difficult to see but is equally vital. Leaders who neglect either side of the waterline risk shipwrecking their leadership. These lead clearly to the two works of leadership...

       The first work for developing leaders is that of self-leadership . This takes place inside a man or woman's inner world. This work is about personal change, growth and character development. When this work happens in us before we attempt to give leadership to others, we become most productive. It is a frightening reality that we could lead a company for ten years and not become a better human being. It is certainly possible to pastor a church and not become a more Godly man or woman. The work of leading doesn't necessarily change us for the better. So, the first work of leadership walks us back to square one and addresses the need for each of us to lead our own hearts before we attempt to lead others.

"The first and paramount responsibility of anyone who purports to lead or manage is to mange self: one's own integrity, character, ethics, knowledge, wisdom, temperament, words, and acts. It is a complex, unending, incredibly difficult, oft shunned task."

          Dee Hock - Author, CEO emeritus, Visa International

Authentic Leadership, Inc. offers resources that help leaders learn to do the self-leadership job well. Consider hosting a Leadership of the HEART seminar , ordering the Leadership of the HEART seminar on cassette tape/CD or reading The REAL DEAL leadership workbook .

The HEART: That place inside you that defines who you are, what you believe, how you decide and which direction you take others. It's where wisdom is birthed and the ability to enjoy life begins. Your heart is where your deepest passions reside and most meaningful dreams originate. It's where worship of God occurs and where you carry the people you love. Our best performance flows from the heart.

       The second work of leadership is something that takes place through a man or woman. It has to do with you doing 'your thing' as you serve God and people. It is about you giving value to others through your life contribution based on who God has made you and how you are wired. One of life's great joys is to experience God's blessing as we touch the world from our gifts and talents. These abilities need identifying and developing. In addition to this, our impact will only go as far as our ability to relate to and lead people. Developing the attitudes and actions of servant leadership, as well as our skills and competencies, results in our greatest potency. Authentic Leadership, Inc. offers resources that assist each leader as her or she attempts to integrate the attitudes and actions of servant leadership. Consider hosting an Increasing Your Personal Impact seminar , ordering the Increasing Your Personal Impact on cassette tape/CD or reading the Increasing Your Personal Impact leadership workbook.

These two priorities form the leadership development focus of every leader. Each leader must become more competent, clear thinking and relationally effective - this is crucial to success. But, to do this at the expense of the soul is foolish. History and current news stories remind us that the character and heart of a leader are of greatest importance.   Any prosperity that grows from a leader who lacks integrity is corrupt from the beginning and eventually implodes a personal life or organization. If we get lost in the external role of being a leader and solely focus on activity inconsistent with the principles of character, that activity will be corrosive. It's important to remember that our greatest power flows from a healthy balance of developed competencies and refined character.