My practice models and philosophy have been influenced by decades of observing (and working in) human systems including schools, small businesses, non-prophets, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and corporations. Despite differences in size, scale, and mission, recurring patterns and core themes no one was talking seemed to lay at the heart of how happy and engaged people were and how effective organizations were in achieving their goals.
I began to see more and more clearly how hidden, neuropsychological processing influences how we structure our organizations, select our leaders, prioritize our values, and execute our work - all outside our conscious awareness.
Research shows that people tend to have an empathic, right brain framework underpinning their entire mental process or an analytic, left brain one.
Guess which one permeates the DNA of almost all organizational leadership?
Yep. For millennia, an unconscious and evolving left-hemisphere imbalance has created a systemic bias for what can be counted and controlled. While these are key ingredients of a successful strategy, too much counting and too much controlling hurts culture. When culture suffers, performance suffers.
Integral Process Leadership (IPL) is a first-of-its-kind system to transform organizational culture by structurally improving a collective, neuropsychological balance that elevates high performance and human flourishing.
Here are some podcasts that add dimension to the conversation about The Merlin Advantage and Integral Process Leadership.
1) A return trip to GroundWork Leadership Institute for another in depth and enriching conversation with Chris Pineda.
2) A great visit with Chris Pineda from Groundwork Leadership Institute - an epicenter for transformative leadership development and community action.
3) One from way back with my brother Zach who runs VUVIVO, a faith-based, non-profit with a uniquely aligned mission to re-enchant reality and elevate human flourishing.
Talking with Germany's very own type and life coach Teodora about all things INFJ and IPL!
Type expert Joe Arrigo and I cover some fun territory related to The Merlin Advantage and Integral Process Leadership.
The IPL wizard icon honors the imaginative roots of the IPL system described in the book The Merlin Advantage: Re-Discovering the Power of Collaborative Leadership. Throughout human history, shamans, priests, and wizards worked alongside chiefs, kings, CEO's, and presidents to navigate complexity, chaos, and risk. But, because no one really knew what these "lanes" were about, there were lots of problems - and there still are. This is where IPL comes in. With a new lens on neuroscience, psychology, personality theory, and leadership best practices, IPL rebalances- or even re-enchants - modern systems of work and governance.
Using wizard imagery can feel a bit unserious to people who operate with a left brain preference (which is most people in business or organizational leadership today). In reality, though, the symbolism of the The Merlin Advantage and Integral Process Leadership is grounded in neuropsychological truths behind centuries, if not millennia, of organizational behavior. These insights are often portrayed in literary and movie character juxtapositions like Merlin and King Arthur or Gandalf and Aragorn. While these portrayals can feel like fantasy, they are actually reflections of very surprising and powerful realities.
Perhaps most intriguing, these wizards are not extinct or irrelevant. They don't dress like Gandalf, usually don't have long white beards, and are not always men. But, they are out there and they are the secret sauce behind high performance and human flourishing.
The Master and His Emissary - Iain McGilchrist. 2009. Explore the stunning implications of left and right brain influences in the evolution of civilization and culture.
The Neuroscience of Personality - Dario Nardi. 2011. This book introduces the basics of the 16 Myers-Briggs types, four temperaments, and eight Jungian cognitive processes using compelling insights drawn from Nardi's brain research lab.
The Fearless Organization - Amy C. Edmonson. 2018. This book explores the vital concept of psychological safety, and provides a blueprint for making it reality. Succinct and informative scenario-based explanations provide a clear path forward to a culture where it’s “safe” to express ideas, ask questions, and admit mistakes.
The End of Management - Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith. 2002. A critical look at traditional management systems and structures and a deep dive on more effective collaborative approaches.
Both hemispheres are needed at full expression for high performance and human flourishing.
IPL Certification is a developmental path for intuitive, empathic professionals to lead the human side of work.
Your powers are different and exactly what the world needs right now! Integral Process Leadership training is a powerful way to leverage your innate gifts, strengthen your practice, and add value for your organization or clients. Along with original thought leadership from The Merlin Advantage, IPL certification explores leading-edge neuroscience, personality theory, positive psychology, coaching, and organizational development approaches to prepare you for maximum, positive culture impact.
Integral Process Leaders lend a special kind of magic to the systems they work in. Perhaps you share this innate capacity for:
IPL certification requires participants to:
1. Currently work in a formal coaching or consultation role.
2. Possess expertise in a discipline like psychology, coaching, counseling, or spiritual direction.
3. Submit a brief essay or video submission of how your type, temperament and training align with Integral Process Leadership, specifically the attributes in the list above.
4. Successfully complete certification training (full attendance and participation, pass test).
5. Sign and adhere to the IPL Code of Ethics.
6. Stay active in the IPL community of practice, including successfully completing 2 hours of remote, continuing education training each year.
Contact me here to schedule your training or learn more about the process.
PHILOSOPHY
- IPL as culture catalyzer
- IPL as a leadership thought partner
- IPL as steward of human flourishing
- IPL as integrative practice
PRACTICE
- IPL implementation process
- IPL-informed OD/LD competencies
- Original IPL approaches
RESOURCES
- Sample Job Descriptions
- Sample policy language
- Sample Partnership Charter
- Workbook and job aids
- Concept infographics
- Global community of practice
- Alumni support