ORGD604 Diagnostic ModelSherri Orwick Ogden

April 22, 2009

“King of the Forest”

Diagnostic Model

“King of the Forest” (KOF) Courage in Leadership Model

• Purpose – to determine level of courageous leadership behavior

• Open System – behavior of leaders is affected by external factors

• Worldview – behavior of leaders is affected by their past experiences and perspectives

Definition of Courage

• “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” (Merriam-Webster Online, 2009)

• courage is the “first of the human qualities” (Winston Churchill) and Aristotle referred to courage as the first virtue. (Treasurer, 2009)

Definition of Courage“Courage is what it takes to overcome fear. Fear is an emotion appropriate to perceived risk. Thus to exhibit courage one must both perceive a risk and proceed in spite of it. Suppose a child has fallen through the ice on a lake and could be saved if reached. A person who walks out on the ice believing it to be very thick requires no courage because he perceives no risk, even though others may think him courageous. A person who correctly perceives that the ice is thin and stays off it likewise exhibits no courage; rather we call his action prudent or cowardly, depending on whether or not the ice is, in fact, too thin for safety. Courage is required only of a person who proceeds to rescue the child in full knowledge that the ice is thin.” (Dickerson – CTO of Infoworld Media Group, 2004)

KOF Courage in Leadership

Courage – Difficult to DefineImplicit Theories of Courage

(Christopher, Clarke, Lindsay, & Sternberg, 2007)

• study how courage is perceived through various lenses • 29 descriptions or definitions• no consensus on one definition. • Behavior as opposed to personality trait

“Courage may be better understood as an exceptional response to specific external conditions or circumstances than as an attribute, disposition, or character trait (generally acknowledged as long-term and stable across situations) which appears to be the intent of many definitions and descriptions of courage. Perhaps researchers are on firmer ground when they label someone as ‘‘courageous’’ based on their actions in a given situation.”

KOF Model

• Courage is a behavior despite a perceived risk

• Important - commonality of behaviors in leadership and courageous leadership

• Four major courageous behaviors (elements)

StabilityInterdependence

Unity Self-examinatio

nOptimism

Decisiveness

Humble

Timing/PrioritiesPurpose and Plan

Execution

Engagement

Relationships

AwarenessInsight

Communication

KOF Model

Connect with Followers

Self-Awareness

DiversitySeek SupportTrustNot about youSense of HumorIntegrity

Community

Focus/Mission

Lead by ExampleKnow fearAcknowledgementEncouragementCare

ExpectationsAccountability Passion

GrowthDevelopment

Confidence

Application of KOF Model• Survey leaders to determine beliefs/leadership styles and

level of KOF elements (perceived risk/behavior)• Survey followers to determine beliefs/leadership styles

and level of KOF behavior• Analyze results and identify discrepancies• Interview individuals not in leadership roles

• Who are really perceived as being leaders in the organization? Why?• What KOF elements are/are not being implemented despite the risk

involved?

• Interview leaders • What are the barriers to KOF elements? • External factors? Internal factors?• Worldviews/perceptions?

• Observe

Conclusion• Courage is a behavior despite a perceived risk at a given

moment• Survey and then talk and observe – who are the leaders?• Look for behaviors in the four key elements• Are leaders playing it safe or being courageous?

Safe keeps you where you are, but it may not get you where you want to go.

And remember….

Kings may have “courage,” but good leaders behave courageously