Great leaders can draw the most inspiration to people and overcome major obstacles. Poor leaders evoke an environment of low energy and no enthusiasm because people do not have “fire-in-the-belly” because they left their minds, hearts, and souls at the employer’s door.

Eight Core Roles and Competencies for the 21st Century Leader

As a result of 17 years of international research, study, and analysis, ILGE programs emphasize that 21st century executive leadership skills include eight core roles, accompanying competencies, and an underlying philosophy. These are all critical elements needing mastery if executives and leaders are to continue to work at their best and continue to evolve within the context of their own organization and professional career situation. The core competencies are displayed with each having a polar opposite. For example, the “inner self and reflection” role at the top of the diagram is balanced with the “building relationships and trust” role at the bottom. On these as well as other roles, the issue is balance and selectivity. The eight roles include:

• The leader as thoughtful, contemplative, and reflective thinker
• The leader as relationship and trust builder
• The leader as the idealist and demonstrator of highest ethical standards
• The leader as reality-based, attentive to details and facts
• The leader as a visionary, change agent
• The leader as business savvy, sensitive to political realities, and focused on getting things done
• The leader as team and culture builder
• The leader as customer and stakeholder focused

The ILGE philosophical foundation underlying its programs emphasizes the important role of will, courage, ethical idealism, and awareness of choice as at the core of executive excellence. ILGE programs will help each participant benchmark themselves on each competency and assist them with personal coaching to move forward on building from their strengths and guiding them on practical ways to advance in areas needing development. The content of the programs as well as the process and format the programs take will help all build from current levels and advance to higher levels on all competencies and skills.

C. Copyright 2004 by the Institute for Leadership and Global Education (ILGE)