From Reactive to Creative Leadership with Bob Anderson

Summary

In this insightful interview, Bob Anderson, a renowned leader in the field of leadership development, shares his transformative journey and the evolution of his influential work. Anderson, co-founder of the Leadership Circle and creator of the Leadership Circle Profile, discusses the importance of moving from reactive to creative leadership, driven by love or purpose rather than fear. He emphasizes the role of intuition, the integration of various leadership models, and the significance of personal development for leaders to achieve mastery. Anderson also touches on the concept of higher consciousness and its impact on leadership effectiveness, advocating for a new generation of leaders capable of guiding society through complex challenges and towards a more unified and regenerative future.

Takeaways

• 📚 Bob Anderson has been a leader in leadership development for over 30 years, co-founding the Leadership Circle and creating the Leadership Circle Profile, a widely used 360 leadership assessment.
• 🌟 Anderson emphasizes the importance of integration in leadership development, seeing a unified model underlying various leadership theories and practices.
• 🧘‍♂️ He highlights the role of intuition in the creative process, suggesting that breakthroughs can come from a place of larger intelligence or 'download' from a higher consciousness.
• 🔬 Anderson's work has been influenced by his study of physics and the quantum field, as well as the concept that consciousness may be more fundamental than the physical world.
• 🌱 He discusses the transformative power of leadership, moving from a reactive, fear-based approach to a creative, purpose-driven one, which he sees as essential for contemporary organizations.
• 🛠️ Anderson speaks to the idea that leaders can evolve and develop higher stages of consciousness, which correlates with increased effectiveness in business and leadership roles.
• 🚀 Mastery of leadership is achieved through practice and a daily commitment to self-improvement, including difficult conversations and self-awareness.
• 🤝 The shift from reactive to creative leadership involves moving from a fear-based, control-oriented mindset to one that is driven by purpose, vision, and the desire to create a desired future.
• 💪 Anderson encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, which can help in creating a safe and generative environment for teams and organizations.
• 🌐 He stresses the interconnectedness of all things and the impact that individual actions have on the whole, encouraging leaders to consider their role in contributing to a larger, global vision.
• ⏳ Anderson acknowledges the urgency of developing a new order of leadership capable of guiding society through complex challenges and towards a more unified and conscious way of operating.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Leadership Circle Profile in the context of the discussion?

The Leadership Circle Profile is a 360 leadership assessment tool created by Bob Anderson, which is used globally in organizations. It plays a central role in the discussion as it represents the foundation of Anderson's work in leadership development and is the tool the interviewer always uses in their work.

How did Bob Anderson's early experiences influence his career path in leadership development?

Bob Anderson's early experiences, including a transformative high school retreat and his studies in economics, business, and organization development, laid the groundwork for his career. His work with thought leaders in the field and mentors like Peter Senge and Clay Laferty further shaped his understanding and approach to leadership development.

What is the concept of 'integration' that Bob Anderson refers to in the context of leadership literature?

Integration, as referred to by Bob Anderson, is the process of bringing together various research, theories, models, and language systems within the field of leadership into a coherent whole. Anderson observed an underlying meta-model that unified these diverse elements, which he spent over a decade working on to create the Leadership Circle Profile.

How does Bob Anderson describe the creative process in developing the Leadership Circle Profile?

Bob Anderson describes the creative process as a combination of rational integration of different bodies of work and intuitive insights. He often relied on his intuition, which he cultivated through deliberate practice. Moments of clarity and breakthroughs would come to him during reflective times, such as walks on a beach, which he would record for later unpacking and integration into his work.

What role does intuition play in the process of creation according to Bob Anderson?

Intuition plays a significant role in the creative process for Bob Anderson. He describes it as a 'download' from a larger intelligence, which can come in sudden breakthroughs. These insights often require years to fully understand and implement. Anderson emphasizes the importance of trusting this intuitive process, which he believes is distinct from ego.

How does Bob Anderson differentiate between a reactive leadership style and a creative leadership style?

Reactive leadership, according to Anderson, is primarily driven by fear and is focused on removing threats or problems. In contrast, creative leadership is driven by love or purpose and aims to create desired futures. Creative leaders operate from a place of vision and integrity, inspiring others towards a common goal.

What is the significance of 'adult development' in the context of leadership effectiveness?

Adult development is significant as it refers to the stages of personal growth and maturity that individuals go through. Anderson discusses how each stage represents an evolutionary leap in a person's internal operating system. Higher stages of adult development correlate with increased leadership effectiveness and business performance.

How does Bob Anderson view the relationship between consciousness and leadership?

Anderson views consciousness as fundamental and more primary than matter, energy, space, and time. He believes that as individuals tap into higher levels of consciousness, they can access greater coherence and potentially become more effective leaders. This deeper understanding of consciousness can inform leaders on how to be more effective.

What advice does Bob Anderson give to individuals who are concerned about the potential risks of adopting a more creative leadership style?

Anderson acknowledges the real risks, such as job loss, but emphasizes the importance of integrity and the manner in which one communicates. He suggests that leaders should be willing to face the possibility of losing their job for the sake of truth and integrity. He also highlights the importance of mastering difficult conversations and maintaining a high-integrity approach.

How does Bob Anderson define mastery in leadership?

Mastery in leadership, as defined by Anderson, involves a daily practice of self-awareness, vulnerability, listening, and presence. It requires a commitment to lifelong learning and the continuous development of skills such as difficult conversations and creating a safe and generative environment for others.

What is the next step in Bob Anderson's career and what does he envision for the future of leadership development?

Anderson plans to focus on what he terms 'Unity informed integral leadership' work, which he sees as the next and possibly final wave of his career. He aims to make this form of leadership development more accessible and to contribute to the evolution of leadership towards a model that is more creative, purpose-driven, and capable of addressing the complex challenges of the current era.