Q. What is the focus of the Vail Leadership Institute ?
A. The Vail Leadership Institute is a non-profit Colorado-based learning organization that convenes emerging, developing and seasoned leaders for results-oriented programs, retreats and forums focused on what has become known as “inside-first” principles and practices of leadership.
Q. What do you mean by “inside-first?”
A. We define “inside-first” as a process that starts within, clarifying values that differentiate our character, and then emanate outward with our purpose, advanced by the skills of visioning and planning to guide our responsibilities forward through relationships with others. We sometimes refer to “inside-first” leadership as heart-centered or “leadership from the heart.”
Q. What do “heart-centered” principles and practices encompass ?
A. More than anything, they 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 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 Vail ?
A. Yes and no. On the one hand, we’re interested in bringing leaders to the Vail Valley to expose them to this thinking in an environment that inspires renewal of the human spirit. On the other hand, we want to help build a model community where we walk our talk as leaders and create a place that really changes people. We often take this work out to other communities and organizations on a custom-tailored basis.
Q. What does “multiple thought-leader” approach entail ?
A. Our “inside-first” philosophy has evolved from the thinking of many, many scholars, thinkers and leaders. We believe that leadership principles and practices can’t really be copyrighted because they belong to everyone – the universe really. 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 pretty 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. When you say “spiritual orientation”, what does that mean ?
A. Our Glossary of Terms defines spirituality as ”the process of living out a set of deeply held personal values, of honoring a presence greater than ourselves; an orientation toward the sacred or higher power or authority, not aligned with any specific religious belief; referencing God, without crossing the line of how one relates to him. This orientation recognizes that many leaders are spiritually hungry, but institutionally wary. It acknowledges that one of the best ways to get beyond our selfishness, is to recognize that there is a higher power out there…what most people call God.
Q. How does VLI specifically approach issues of spirituality and religion ?
A. Carefully, but without apology. We recognize that there are incredibly diverse perspectives on these matters and we don’t push an agenda; rather we ask probing questions and expose people to a unique perspective and let them integrate it (or not) as they wish. We regret that spirituality and religion have become almost taboo in our culture in some circles, with a bias toward secularism. We have a principled take in exploring how leadership can be informed and strengthened by spirituality, if people are so inclined. Our money states, “In God we trust.” Our Pledge of Allegiance incorporates “under God.” Our Supreme Court convenes sessions with a prayer. We don’t seek to banish God from talks about leadership.
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.
Q. Do you pray during your programs ?
A. Sometimes at the beginning of a meeting or when launching a program. We often have a reading before a meal that reflects a thankful heart. And we encourage participants to be reflective, however they might manifest that. Some meditate – some pray.
Q. Will a spiritual orientation end up excluding some people who may otherwise be interested in VLI’s programs ?
A. Yes, though the intention is not to exclude people. Surely there will be some who don’t feel comfortable with this. That is okay.
Q. Is VLI open to all people regardless of their religious beliefs (e.g., Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.) as well as people who don’t believe in God or aren’t sure ?
A. Absolutely.
Q. How does spirituality come up, if at all, during VLI programs? What are some examples?
A. Usually in the examination of one’s values. The facilitator might start a discussion with a question about what we really stand for. He might give an example of his own most important value, and spirituality might be mentioned. If it is, that’s the time when we point out what we mean by a “spiritual perspective” and how it informs leadership thinking.
Q. What are examples of crossing the line on spiritual matters, where a VLI facilitator would step in and re-direct the conversation or activity ?
A. If someone were to start to “preach” about what one ought to believe, we’d re-direct the conversation. We’d point out that we follow the principles of dialogue in our programs and that approach suggests that while we honor each person’s point-of-view, we also avoid trying to win the conversation or to changing people’s minds.
