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THE ARTISTRY OF LEADERSHIP
“Full many a gem of purest ray serene
The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear:
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”
—Thomas Gray
The Good Struggle
Division Group’s leadership philosophy is defined by a clear, future-oriented purpose and vision that guides transformational change. It places trust and integrity at the center of every decision while actively shaping leadership to align with the organization’s unique culture. The approach balances strategic execution with human-centered, emotionally engaging practices and employs actionable adaptability through a flexible, measurable model that drives real-world impact.
Read: Leadership as Human Art
A Humanist Approach to Transformational Practice
By Eric Teunissen, CM
This essay articulates how Division Group applies a humanist lens to leadership—one that sees transformation as both a moral responsibility and a creative act. It frames leadership as an interpretive, ethical, and emotionally resonant practice—blending strategic execution with imagination, empathy, and moral agency. Grounded in the leadership theory of Abraham Zaleznik¹ and shaped by hands-on leadership practice in complex organizational settings, the essay offers a compelling vision of leadership as a human art.
→ Download the Essay (PDF format)
This leadership philosophy not only guides our thinking—it also informs how we structure, deliver, and measure impact through our services. The principles articulated in the essay are operationalized through our alignment with the National Management Association’s (NMA) leadership model, which serves as a practical framework for applying our humanist values in organizational settings.
Demonstrate Personal Character
We view integrity as foundational—what Jack Welch called “just a ticket to the game.” At Division Group, character-driven leadership is essential for building trust, fostering meaningful relationships, and sustaining long-term impact. [More information here.]
Set Direction
Our vision is customer-centered and innovation-driven. It translates into actionable strategies that guide clients through complex transformations with clarity and purpose. [More information here.]
Mobilize Individual Commitment for Change
We foster shared leadership and emotionally resonant engagement. By inspiring commitment at every level, we enable individuals to take ownership of change initiatives and align with a shared purpose. [More information here.]
Engender Organizational Capability
We co-create innovative solutions by building high-performing, collaborative teams. Our emphasis on complementary strengths and outcome-oriented structures ensures that capability grows alongside results. [More information here.]
Illustration
1 Zaleznik, A. (2008). Hedgehogs and Foxes: Character, Leadership, and Command in Organizations. Palgrave Macmillan.
A Unified Philosophy
“Leadership is the ethical, imaginative act of interpreting change. Design is the structural expression of that vision.
Together, they shape purposeful, resonant, and enduring organizational futures.”
— From Leadership as Human Art and Design as Possibility
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