• Published March 7, 2024
  • 1 Minute Read
WHITE PAPER

How Leadership Works

Potential is something in all of us. It’s just waiting to be realized.
Published March 7, 2024
Photo of leaders considering how leadership works and the leadership philosophy of the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL)

Connecting Exponential Potential With Collective Progress

For many, the word “leadership” conjures an image of a single person at the helm, steering the ship. But it’s a misleading image. At CCL, we look at leadership as a social process, one that helps each person to discover the potential within themselves and — in turn — everyone around them.

To jumpstart that potential, your organization needs to be intentional by ensuring that clear Direction, Alignment, and Commitment (or DAC) are present from the start, as these are really the keys to how leadership works.

This introduction to our leadership philosophy dives into the DAC framework, outlining how its key components can transform the way you approach leadership:

  • Direction — Learn how setting a clear objective makes it easier to avoid the detours and distractions that pull us away from reaching our goals.
  • Alignment — See how embracing cross-department networking and creating space for open and inclusive conversations can minimize confusion and maximize output.
  • Commitment — Discover how making the success of the collective a personal priority can inspire team members to shift from compliance to motivated commitment.

How can you boost DAC within your organization? We cover that too, with tips for engaging with your teams to identify areas of opportunity with the most potential for impact.

Download How Leadership Works, Our Leadership Philosophy

Download How Leadership Works, Our Leadership Philosophy

Leadership works best when you can tap into the exponential potential of your entire team. Get started with our guide, How Leadership Works.

 

  • Published March 7, 2024
  • 1 Minute Read

Based on Research by

Cindy McCauley
Cindy McCauley, PhD
Honorary Senior Fellow

With over 30 years of experience at CCL, Cindy has contributed to many aspects of CCL’s work: research, publication, product development, program evaluation, coaching, and management. She designs and manages R&D projects, coaches action learning teams, writes for multiple audiences, and is a frequent speaker at professional conferences.

With over 30 years of experience at CCL, Cindy has contributed to many aspects of CCL’s work: research, publication, product development, program evaluation, coaching, and management. She designs and manages R&D projects, coaches action learning teams, writes for multiple audiences, and is a frequent speaker at professional conferences.

Lynn Fick-Cooper
Lynn Fick-Cooper, MBA
Chief Equity & Societal Impact Officer

Lynn leads teams across the Americas, Europe, and Africa that design and deliver leadership solutions for social sector organizations focused on K–12 and Higher Education, Nonprofits, and Population Health; social sector research and evaluation; fundraising; and program operations. She’s also Executive Sponsor of our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Practice.

Lynn leads teams across the Americas, Europe, and Africa that design and deliver leadership solutions for social sector organizations focused on K–12 and Higher Education, Nonprofits, and Population Health; social sector research and evaluation; fundraising; and program operations. She’s also Executive Sponsor of our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Practice.

What to Explore Next

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Related Solutions

CCL Regional Headquarters

AMERICAS

+1 336 545 2810
ccl.org

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

+32 (0) 2 679 09 10
ccl.org/emea

ASIA-PACIFIC, INDIA, GREATER CHINA

+65 6854 6000
ccl.org/apac

About CCL

At the Center for Creative Leadership, our drive to create a ripple effect of positive change underpins everything we do. For 50+ years, we've pioneered leadership development solutions for everyone from frontline workers to global CEOs. Consistently ranked among the world's top providers of executive education, our research-based programs and solutions inspire individuals in organizations across the world — including 2/3 of the Fortune 1000 — to ignite remarkable transformations.