Part 1
The 8 Dimensions of Leadership Model

The 8 Dimensions of Leadership is meant to provide a highly personalized leadership development experience. Part 1 helps you get the most out of the book by providing important background information on DiSC^®, describing the 8 Dimensions of Leadership, and explaining the value of this multidimensional model. In essence, you’ll get a big-picture sense of how this model can help you bypass some of the trial and error often involved in leadership growth. Once you understand the central themes of the book, you’ll discover your primary leadership dimension through an online assessment or an alternative method in Chapter 2. Most leaders enjoy learning about the characteristics associated with their primary leadership dimensions, and we hope that this process will whet your appetite for deeper insights into your behavior.

While we have a central argument to share with you—that all leaders need to be able to stretch beyond their primary leadership dimensions—the experience will be unique to you. We provide specific steps to help you put this model into action, but your experience will also be shaped by your leadership style, your current role, the culture of your organization, and your personal goals.