"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."
The Good Struggle
Division Group's leadership philosophy is defined by a clear, future-oriented purpose that guides transformational change. It places trust, integrity, and judgment at the center of leadership while shaping the conditions under which change becomes credible in practice. The approach combines strategic direction with human understanding, helping organizations navigate transformation through seriousness, adaptability, and coherent action.
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 presents leadership as a practice of character, imagination, interpretation, and command, through which change becomes more coherent, credible, and durable in organizational life. Grounded in the leadership theory of Abraham Zaleznik1 and shaped by hands-on leadership practice in complex organizational settings, the essay offers a humanist account of leadership as a serious and formative practice.
This leadership philosophy not only guides our thinking—it also informs how we structure, deliver, and measure impact through our services. Across the website, these principles are translated into practical leadership frameworks, including the National Management Association's (NMA) leadership model, which helps express our humanist values in applied organizational terms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 Zaleznik, A. (2008). Hedgehogs and Foxes: Character, Leadership, and Command in Organizations. Palgrave Macmillan.
"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."
— Adapted from Leadership as Human Art and Design as Possibility