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There are many ways to tell the story of leadership. Some have told it from the perspective of what was broken or how it was broken; some from the perspective of what was possible—visionaries; some were progressive, others more conservative; some attempted a comprehensive analysis; and, some contain a little of this and a little of that in an attempt to gain a central theory on or about leadership.  In the end, the story of leadership often becomes a historical account, a collection of good biographies, and some comprehensive case studies. 

Still, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of leadership through the contributions of many leadership scholars throughout history. As a student of leadership for the past 30 years, my understanding of the nature of leadership has evolved. Somewhere along the way, my focus shifted. Some might call it a paradigm shift.

Our paradigmatic assumptions are the most difficult to uncover of all assumptions. They are the structuring beliefs we use to order the world into fundamental categories. Paradigmatic assumptions are examined critically only after considerable resistance, and it takes a substantial amount of contrary evidence and disconfirming experiences to change them. However, when they are challenged and changed, the consequences for our lives are often transformative. The result is a paradigm shift, and the evolution of leadership studies has been ripe with such shifts. 

To effectively engage with the history and evolution of leadership studies, it is vital to take a constructive approach that integrates three fundamental aspects: the essence of leadership, the trajectories of human development, and the phases of societal transformation. It could be said that leadership science and the development of leadership movements across time are actually a lagging indicator of societal developments.

For example, the Great Man Theory aligns with the Frontier Age, emphasizing Independence. It held that great men shape the world. The theory posits that great men (and some women) are born into leadership and that this quality is heritable. By comparison, the Behavioral Theory emerged from the Industrial Age, which emphasized a product-oriented approach and the management of people, cultivating leaderless models that fostered Dependence within the workforce.

By examining the intersections of these dimensions, we can cultivate a richer understanding of leadership dynamics and their impact on individuals and society as a whole. This integral approach reveals that:

1. Healthy integral leadership focuses on the collective rather than the individual. It goes beyond products and management; it centers on building strong relationships among people. By prioritizing connections, we create a more collaborative and supportive environment that fosters growth and success.
2. Healthy integral leadership focuses on moving beyond the status quo and instead embraces the possibilities that arise from creativity, imagination, innovation, and inspiration. It actively seeks to generate new opportunities and foster growth through these dynamic processes.
3. Healthy integral leadership emphasizes the importance of fostering a responsive democracy and nurturing a community filled with potential. It encourages citizens to collaborate toward shared goals while also celebrating each person's unique strengths. This approach highlights the value of discovering unity amidst our diverse perspectives.
4. Healthy integral leadership embodies the opportunity to embrace and fulfill our personal destinies. It revolves around serving others, be it our communities, families, or organizations—fostering growth and connection for everyone involved.
5. Healthy integral leadership emphasizes the importance of ecology, particularly a profound understanding of human relationships and potential. By adapting to our environment and embracing the evolving nature of human capabilities, we can foster a rich diversity of talents and perspectives.
6. Healthy integral leadership fosters a generative environment focused on thriving and growth. This collaborative synergy opens doors to opportunities for collective development.

Over the next few weeks, this series on the evolution of leadership studies will journey through time. Good biographies are progressive and regressive at the same time. Stories of the past lend meaning and depth to the stories of today. In this series, the concepts of leader, leading, and leadership will be explored from an integral perspective, illuminating a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of leadership.

Furthermore, there are various ways to assess both leaders and the concept of leadership itself. Our perspectives and experiences significantly shape our beliefs on this topic, highlighting the intricate dynamics of human interactions. Attempts to simplify leadership as a construct can sometimes cloud our understanding, while embracing complexity can enhance our comprehension and practice of effective leadership. Again, there are many ways of telling the leadership story. This is my story.