4 Dimensions of Legendary Leadership ®

Every leader operates in 4 distinct, but interdependent domains. The maturity of each domain as well as the skill with which the leader integrates together the special skills of each area will determine the leader’s success.

The first is the quadrant of knowledge. It is the area of thinking and theories, of decision making and judgements. The second is the quadrant of results. It is the domain of facts and data, of actions and events. The third is the quadrant of relationships. It includes the concepts of feelings and motivations, of collaboration and attitudes. The fourth is the quadrant of meaning. This is the stuff of ideas and symbols, of dreams and inspirations.

Every leader operates in each quadrant. However, we all have skills, behaviors and preferences for our abilities in specific areas. In fact, we have dominant tendencies and we have muted abilities both of which can significantly impact our leadership effectiveness for good and for ill.

Knowledge (head)

The first quadrant is that of knowledge and can be thought of matters related to the head. Policies, rules, theories, principles, designs and belief systems are strong in this quadrant.

The archetype for this quadrant is that of a Monarch (a king or queen). This the ruling archetype and leaders with dominant strengths in this quadrant prefer to be in the position of making the decisions. They allow policies, principles and designs to guide their decision making process.

The shadow for this quadrant is the Tyrant. When taken to an extreme, the King can become so consumed with their position as decision maker that they impose their decisions on others with little regard for their feelings or their contribution.

Results (hands)

The second quadrant is that of results and can be thought of related to the hands. Action, facts, data, experiences and material things that result in getting stuff done is the hallmark for the results quadrant.

The archetype for this quadrant is the Warrior. The warrior is committed to getting things done and will do so at great personal cost. They are committed to a cause, and know that there will be sacrifices that must be made to achieve the goal.

The shadow for this quadrant is the sadist. The warrior is committed to “taking the hill” and knows there may be casualties. Taken to the extreme, the warrior could be tempted to enjoy hurting others in the process of achieving the goal.

Relationships (heart)

The third quadrant is that of relationships and is associated with matters of the heart. Feelings, preferences, purpose, attitudes, appreciation and compassion are strong in this quadrant.

The archetype for this quadrant is that of the shepherd. This is the caring nurturer that oversees the emotions and feelings of others. Always looking for connection and wanting people to truly feel appreciated and embraced through the process.

The shadow for this quadrant is the manipulator. When taken to the extreme, the shepherd knows how to leverage peoples emotions to move their own agenda forward.

Meaning (heroic)

The fourth quadrant is that of meaning and is characterized by heroic vision. Ideas, symbols, opportunities, dreams, inspiration and new creation are strong in this quadrant.

The archetype for this quadrant is that of a Mage (a magician or wizard). This is the visionary archetype and leaders that have strengths in this quadrant can see the future and communicate their vision in inspirational ways that move others to action.

The shadow for this quadrant is the Charlatan. Because the Mage makes connections in ways that other cannot they can tap into other people’s dreams and desires and can leverage those desires for their own selfish purposes.