Leadership Theories

• Build a perspective of leadership that offers a unique orientation yet also embraces the diverse viewpoints within other current leadership theories.
• Construct a practical set of leadership tools and guides that leaders can use to enhance their everyday leadership action.

One of the reasons leadership theory often fails to work consistently, or to be inclusive, is that it starts from the wrong premise. Our premise is that leadership is a subset of action.

This theoretical shift carries enormous consequences for consideration of courage, vision, ethics and spirituality as they relate to leadership. In addition to a starting point, a comprehensive view of leadership must propose a central organizing principle.

What is needed is an idea that can unite theory and practice, the one and the many, and the true and the real. We need leadership theory and principle that can appreciate the richness and diversity of other leadership theories, be open and self-correcting and grounded in action. This principle is authenticity. It is the union of authenticity and action that forms the basis of Action Wheel Leadership's definition of leadership.

Fulfillment Fulfillment is the completed act, that into which meaning, mission, power, structure, resources and existence converge at any given time and place. Thinking, doing and being converge in fulfillment. If the mission is to write a poem, the produced poem is fulfillment. If the mission is to murder someone, the actual murder is fulfillment. Some actions produce objects separate from the actor, such as a poem. Some actions, such as speaking, are integral to the actor while acting. Some actions are virtual, such as imagination; some are actual, such as walking.

Fulfillment, we should note, does not imply ethical action. It is any completed act. The seventh view of leadership is grounded in fulfillment, with its focus on courage, authenticity and hope.

The dimensions of the Action Wheel Leadership Theory connect to specific Leadership Metaphors.

Bob Terry on his purpose in writing
Authentic Leadership: Courage in Action:

This book proposes a philosophy of leadership and a philosophy of life. It is neither dispassionate (although it is analytical) nor value—and policy—neutral (although it presents diverse views). Rather, the theory developed here not only focuses on particular aspects of leadership action but also suggests directions for such action.

I have attempted here to help leaders frame issues, understand legitimate and illegitimate uses of power, assess competing visions and articulate a global ethic. Above all, I want to inspire leaders to find the courage to face their fears and build a more authentic world. ~Robert Terry, Authentic Leadership: Courage in Action

Books and Ebooks By Our Company Founder, Dr. Robert Terry:

• Authentic Leadership: Courage In Action ~by Dr. Robert Terry
• On Being A Secular Theologian by Bob Terry
• Seven Zones For Leadership by Bob Terry
• For Whites Only by Bob Terry
• Leadership and Diversity by Bob Terry
• Leadership Ethics by Bob Terry
• Leadership Choices by Bob Terry
• Leadership Metaphors by Bob Terry
• Leadership Paradox by Bob Terry
• Digital Store

The Leadership Series for Successful Living