Concepts and Philosophies
4-V Model: created by the Center’s founder and executive director, Dr. Bill Grace, this model of ethical leadership development is grounded in theories of moral development, human development, leadership development, and community development.
Values and vision identify the group. They give the group purpose and direction. Keeping the values and vision is the most essential dimension of leadership. Giving voice to values and vision brings any group its dynamic. Any concerted, effective movement by a group toward the realization of its vision requires the articulation of vision and values in practical, understandable terms. Effective leadership requires the ability to give voice to the values and vision. Virtue is a blend of principle, sensitivity to relationships, and commitment to the common good. Virtue distinguishes Gandhi from Hitler, Martin Luther King, Jr., from Stalin. Virtue distinguishes ethical leadership, which will transform society, from leadership which is merely effective.
Values and vision identify the group. They give the group purpose and direction. Keeping the values and vision is the most essential dimension of leadership. Giving voice to values and vision brings any group its dynamic. Any concerted, effective movement by a group toward the realization of its vision requires the articulation of vision and values in practical, understandable terms. Effective leadership requires the ability to give voice to the values and vision. Virtue is a blend of principle, sensitivity to relationships, and commitment to the common good. Virtue distinguishes Gandhi from Hitler, Martin Luther King, Jr., from Stalin. Virtue distinguishes ethical leadership, which will transform society, from leadership which is merely effective.
Collective Leadership: a way for diverse groups of people in our communities to hold purpose, direction, and action cooperatively. Collective leadership requires us to expand our notion of leadership from the solo perspective of “I” to include the powerful “We”- keeping both the “I” and the “We” as equal partners.
Community Learning Exchange: a national network of community leaders sharing tools, methodology and experiential stories.
The Confluence: a gathering that brings together a diverse group of people to find creative solutions to a challenging social topic.
Ethical leadership: knowing your core values and having the courage to live them in all parts of your life in service of the common good.
Gracious Space: a spirit and a setting where we invite the stranger and learn in public.
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Gracious Space Change Framework
The Four Openings: Safety, Relationship, Risk and Collective Creativity
The Four Stages of Change: Build Trust, Co-Construct Shared Purpose and Plans, Act Together, and Sustain the Work
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Network leadership: based on deep relationships, networks offer surprising and creative answers when people take ownership of issues and offer their gifts for the greater good.
Peacemaking Circle: a leadership practice of deep listening and storytelling to build trust and meaningful relationships.