Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the focus of the Vail Leadership Institute?
A: The Vail Leadership Institute is a Colorado based non-profit that convenes emerging and seasoned leaders interested in purposeful living, in engaging programs focused on Inside First principles and practices. We inspire purposeful living through group-base experiential learning and personal discovery that integrates head and heart, emphasizing the building of character and community via ongoing processes that keep people connected.
Q: What do you mean by Inside First?
A: We define Inside First as a process that starts within, clarifying purpose and values that differentiate our character, and then emanate outward, advanced by the skills of visioning and planning to guide our actions and relationships. Inside First leadership has resonance with many different approaches including heart - centered leadership, character - based leadership, ethical leadership, and more. In taking this approach we point to those virtues or traits that build a commendable character. In this realm, our model focuses on purpose, integrity, attitude and commitment.
Q: Why the focus on purpose?
A: We believe purpose lies at the very core of who we are as people and as leaders. When this aspect of our make-up becomes clear, we become passionate instruments of good. As an organization, we feel called to help leaders uncover their God-given talents for the betterment of society.
Q: Is this about the Vail Valley?
A: Yes and no. Of course, we want to help build a vibrant learning community where we “walk our talk” as leaders and create a place that is transformative and restorative. We’re also interested in bringing people to the Vail Valley to expose them to this thinking in an environment that inspires renewal of the human spirit.
Q: What does your "multiple thought - leader" approach entail?
A: Our “inside-first” philosophy has evolved from the thinking of many scholars, thinkers and leaders. We believe that leadership principles and practices can’t really be copyrighted because they belong to everyone. With multiple thought-leaders contributing to this evolving perspective through an “open source” approach, we believe we can stay at the cutting edge of leadership thinking.
Q: What outcome are you seeking with these programs?
A: More than anything else, we hope to change hearts, because that’s really the only way to change behavior. Rules and guidelines may help in the short-term, but ultimately, fundamental changes take place on the inside first.
Q: What kinds of questions do you pose in your programs?
A: Helping people discover and explore their purpose is central. To get at this, we ask people what they value and believe, what their gifts and talents are and where they see themselves in five to ten years. A spiritual orientation is key to helping leaders get beyond ego-centric tendencies.
Q: Is a spiritual orientation central to VLI's work?
A: Yes, because for many people a spiritual orientation informs their purpose, values, and vision - their very essence. We seek to create authentic meaningful dialogues among thoughtful people, so to exclude this area would be folly. For many people (but not all), inside-first leadership draws upon a spiritual orientation. We believe it’s important - it differentiates us. We believe that people who incorporate a spiritual perspective into their lives and leadership are more likely to seek meaning and significance over success and self-aggrandizement. We believe that great leadership is built more on character and one’s personal ethics than on skills. And we believe that one’s character and ethics are in turn founded primarily on that spiritual perspective. The Institute endorses the proposition that leadership and living can be strengthened and enriched by acknowledging and even embracing the spiritual aspect of our humanity. We do not sanction any particular religion or spiritual tradition. We do not poselytize in favor of any one tradition, but we do ask what leaders believe and value, and encourage thoughtful and respectful dialogue on each individuals' perspectives regarding faith and spirituality.
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