Leadership for Social Change: The Social Change Model for Leadership Development
Last week I gave a Values-Based Leadership course in the framework of the Master in Professional Development-Programa GAIA. During the class, we discussed the current leadership crisis, the New Leadership Paradigm and the importance of values for future leaders.
There are a number of interesting values based leadership models; among them, there is one I like a lot: The Social Change Model (SCM).
The SCM is an approach to leadership development focused on the process of enacting social change from multiple perspectives. The Model approaches leadership as a purposeful, collaborative, values-based process that results in positive social change. It was built upon the following assumptions:
- Leadership is socially responsible, it impacts change on behalf of others.
- Leadership is collaborative.
- Leadership is a process, not a position.
- Leadership is inclusive and accessible to all people.
- Leadership is values-based.
- Community involvement/service is a powerful vehicle for leadership.
The Model is sometimes called the 7Cs for Change because it espouses seven values of leadership that occur on three dimensions with the goal of positive social change. Each dimension interacts with one another as shown below.
The individual dimension consists of the values: consciousness of self, congruence, and commitment.
The group dimensions consists of the values: common purpose, collaboration, and controversy with civility.
Finally, the societal/community dimension consists of the value of citizenship. All of the values contribute to the ultimate goal of change.
You can find a more detailed description of the chart in the following link: 7Cs Chart.pdf