A VISION FOR NATIONAL EXPANSION
OF THE VAIL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
by
John Horan-Kates
If we were successful in fully tapping into the relationships and resources of the people who call the Vail Valley home, either full-time or part-time, what might the Vail Leadership Institute look like in twenty years ? Think of all the leaders who recreate here or bring their families or organizations here. If we could engage them in robust dialogue about how they could lead ethically, what effect could they have ? Over time, could we “change the game” in business, in education, in government ? And in the process, could we build a model community right here in the Vail Valley?
These are heady questions, and ones we actually face now as the Institute begins moving from its local and regional roots to a series of new national programs designed to attract people here from around the country if not the world. With a significant investment from the Beaver Creek community, the prospect of becoming the source for ethical leadership thinking and practice is at hand. How do we move beyond a traditional leadership development and training entity, even beyond a classic “think tank?” How do we become a “do tank” that applies ethical practices in order to actually change the game?
As a convener of leaders, the Institute has been evolving over the past eight years with a purpose of “cultivating ethical, effective leaders.” Our inside-first leadership framework has been developed and tested with positive results. We let the ripples of a water drop symbolize leadership emanating out from a healthy heart. Values define our character and skillful actions move our responsibilities forward through relationships with others.
But this philosophy operates in a world still heavily influenced by ego-driven selfishness, where trust in leaders is relatively low. How do leaders resolve complex ethical dilemmas where it’s often not a question of right and wrong, but a choice between two “rights” where someone will suffer ? We believe what is needed are leaders with a strong character focus owing to values-based thinking. We advocate balancing head with heart - self with others.
What is the vision of an institute that takes on these important challenges ?
If we look back at the roots of the Aspen Institute, we see the 1950 Goethe Bi-Centennial Convocation that utilized Albert Schweitzer’s first visit to the United States as the draw. Similarly, we could organize a “Global Ethics Summit” that assembled leaders from all walks of life to articulate a set of leading practices in ethics. Rather than hundreds, I see gatherings of 25-40 leaders breaking into even smaller groups for candid dialogue where people learn from each other more than from a single expert.
Imagine small groups of directors of non-competing public companies, perhaps 15 to 20, coming together in a Director’s RoundTable. These would be open conversations that go well beyond compliance to inform their counsel on organizational culture. Imagine teams of 8 to10 people gathering here to solve gridlock problems back home. Imagine retreat settings on the mountain at Trappeurs Cabin or Beano’s where our spectacular natural environment inspires reflection and soul-searching that ultimately leads to committed action.
Coming out of this expansion, I see a national network of leaders, initially corporate leaders, but evolving to include educators, theologians and politicians, connected through a vigorous, highly interactive web-site. This network contributes to building a library of leading ethical practices and comes together from time-to-time to address on-going challenges.
My vision is that we build a network of leaders truly committed to “changing the game.” I see us becoming a respected source for ethical leadership thinking. But beyond these gatherings and the intellectual capital that results, I see the Institute helping to build a community that stands for renewal and rejuvenation through learning. Imagine a high mountain valley where discovering “leadership from the heart” will naturally flourish. Imagine a place where relationships are built out of vital and meaningful, perhaps even spiritual, conversations - conversations based on probing questions that cut to the core of important issues.
Our effort should be about building this valley as place to bring leaders who want to make a difference…touching them…and sending them back, like the ripples of that water drop, to spread the thinking.
Help us achieve this vision by connecting us with people and organizations who resonate with this purpose. Support us with your resources. And spread the word yourself !
The author is one of the original founders of the Vail Leadership Institute.
