Acropolis Leadership is both a business name and a metaphor for effective leadership used by David Koutsoukis in the delivery of his conference keynotes and wortkshops, leadership and team development programs, and his coaching and consulting sessions. It links David's expertise in leadership with his Greek epistemology.
The Acropolis LeadershipTM model provides a logical framework of essential attributes, skills and strategies required for effective and INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP. Presentations incorporate wisdom and metaphors from ancient Greek history and blend them with contemporary leadership practice to create a unique and memorable mix of ancient philosophy and modern leadership. The model was developed to link David's expertise in leadership and team development to his Greek heritage and to his father, a leader in his own right, and a historian and wrote many books on Greek history. It has proven to be very useful as a diagnostic tool to explore strengths and identify areas of potential growth for leaders, teams and organisations.
The Acropolis Leadership Metaphor
In ancient Greece, an acropolis was a strategic high point in a town or city and a defensive fortification and safe haven for times of conflict. It was seen as a symbol of strength and typically found in a central location. Buildings on an acropolis usually included a temple, such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, the most famous of them all. The Parthenon was built to honour Athena - the Goddess of Wisdom.
In Greek, ‘Acro’ can be translated as highest or most significant, and ‘polis’ represents the people of a city or community. Greece was, of course, the birthplace of democracy, and the people of the ‘polis’ had representation and a say in the running of the city (particularly in Athens). These two elements combine to make an ‘Acropolis’ a wonderful metaphor for leadership: Using the Acropolis of Athens as a metaphor, a leader is...
“A symbol of strength and wisdom who has a significant impact on the mindsets of those within their gaze,
and whose success is determined by the empowerment of the people that surround them.”
Components
The model is based on the structure of the Parthenon and is simple, yet complex.
It is built on a FOUNDATIONS of ETHOS made up of individual and collective beliefs and values.
It is then followed by a FIRST STEP of POTENTIAL made up of individual and organisational strengths.
Four BASE BLOCKS of SUCCESS include emotional intelligence, social intelligence, wisdom and results.
The Base Blocks support eight PILLARS of PROGRESS that outline key areas of potential growth for leaders and their people including:
Energy – the ability to create and maintain the reserves of energy required for effective performance.
Equanimity – the ability to maintain positive thought and evenness of mind, particularly in times of stress.
Connection – the ability to build great relationships.
Influence – the ability to influence behaviour and inspire others to action.
Knowledge – the ability to identify learning needs and how best to fulfill them.
Thinking – the ability to make intelligent decisions through critical, creative and strategic thinking - and foresight.
Engagement – the ability to develop positive, productive and motivated people.
Synergy – the ability to promote team work and collaboration to achieve positive, measurable results.
Sitting atop of the Pillars of Progress is the OVERARCHING STRATEGY outlining a plan of action that indicates what will be done, by when and by whom.
These elements all support the GABLE of GOALS that outlines desired results including:
Your Purpose - why your business or organisation exists.
Your Vision - what you want your business or organisation to become long term.
Your Mission - key outcomes that are needed to achieve your Vision.
Key Results Areas - key areas of operations, critical for the achievement of your Mission and Vision.
Key Goals, Targets, Metrics and Milestones – measurements of success.
The Acropolis LeadershipTM model provides the framework from which David's customised presentations and programs are developed.
© David Koutsoukis 2010
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