Nice post. I would agree that modeling is definitely the most potent way to learn leadership. Most people seem to acquire their leadership competency, not from programs, training or coaching, but from incorporating what is in their social environment--individually and culturally. Unfortunately, much of what is being modeled is ineffective or unskillful or both. This is especially true when the leadership that is being modeled is no longer relevant (hierarchically and individually oriented) in today's interdependent and networked world.

So for me the value in leadership learning processes whether immersive such as a program or seminar, or in-the-midst-of--action, such as coaching is that it can help unlearn tacitly held practice and open a space for new learning. And if there is a person or setting, in which relevant, effective and skillful leadership is in play, then modeling does indeed work best. If that is not available, then intentional reflective action oriented learning in a community of practitioners, is needed.

In my professional life, I have ofund