The Seven Paths are a comprehensive framework that integrates systems
theory, organizational theory, management and leadership theory, strategic planning models, organizational change models and
many different business, education, organization and spiritual practices into useful organizational models and applications
that can be used to plan and design sustainable organizations.
Sustainable
Organizations stay alive for several decades; have renewable energy and resources; and strong spirits and cultures.
Most organizations are not sustainable and fail fairly early in their existence. Others last for
a while and then hit difficult times and don’t have the strength to overcome the obstacles and the abilities to adapt
to new conditions. A few are strong enough to thrive despite the obstacles and changes they encounter –
these are the sustainable organizations. Sustainable organizations have three nested and interdependent
sets of attributes:
- Integrated sustainable
economic, ecological and ecocultural systems (Paths 1-3)
- Sustainable
values of integrity, peace, love and truth (Path 4)
- Teams of leaders
who continually renew their sustainable purpose, strategies and stewardship (Paths 5-7)
The
organizational purpose and values are the guides through the sustainability process. When the purposes
of the organizational economic, ecological and ecocultural systems are all sustainable and integrated, the organization is
on the right path. The values keep the organization on the right path by providing the basis for sustainable
decisions. The leadership is shared by many people and provides the purpose, innovation and energy.
The Seven Paths of Leadership
I. The
Path of Place - Ecology System - Physical - Earth Connection
A. Earth Connection
B.
Basic Human Needs
C. Individual & Organizational Health
D. The
Ecology System / Natural World
II. The Path of Partnership - Ecoculture
System - Emotional - Working Relationships
A. Creativity and Beauty
B.
Emotional Intelligence
C. Working Relationships
D. The Ecoculture
System / Social World
III. The Path of Prosperity - Economic System
- Mental - Right Action
A. Right Action / Solar Plexus / Martial Arts
B. Goal
accomplishment / Implementation
C. The Warrior / Knight / Business Person
D. The
Economic System / Business World
IV. The Path of Peace - Integrity
– Consciousness – Values - Integration
A. Peace / Love / Consciousness
B.
Integration / Systems / Sustainability
C. Integrity / Ethics / Truth / Authenticity
D.
Beliefs / Values / Ideology
V. The Path of Purpose - Mission
- Communication – Wisdom – Intention
A. Marketing / Mission / Communication
B.
Education / Learning / Knowledge / Wisdom
C. History / Storytelling / Mythology/ Elders
D. Purpose / Intention
VI. The Path of Possibility
- Strategies - Vision - Innovation – Spirituality
A. Strategy / Planning
B.
Innovation / Imagination / Intuition / Knowing
C. Spirituality / Alchemy / Magic / Wizardry
D. Visioning / Seeing the Future
VII. The Path of Power
- Stewardship - Empowerment - Governance – Success
A. Governance / Organization
B.
Energy / Empowerment / Motivation / Trust
C. Defining Success / Success Factors
D.
Stewardship / Survival / Sustainability
