The leadership compass is based on the work of the famous American psychologist Timothy Leary. He discovered during his research that patterns in behaviour are predictable. People always react to one another whether this is conscious or unconscious.
Everything we do is behaviour; even not reacting is a form of behaviour. The model takes the view that your own behaviour triggers behaviour of the other person. In other words: action and reaction, cause and effect, sending and receiving.
Every person incorporates the behaviour mapped in the compass and will show this behaviour in specific situations. Every person also has a preferred pattern of behaviour. It is important to emphasise that none of the behaviour visualised is good or bad behaviour. It all depends on the particular situation which behaviour will be most effective for the outcome of the interaction that is taking place.
There is a relation between ‘we, I, active, passive’ behaviour:
These laws of behaviour can be used when analyzing behavioural patterns between people. You can simply ask yourself two questions:
1. Is this WE or I-behaviour?
2. Is this active or passive behaviour?
‘Placing’ someone’s behaviour is important in better understanding the other person. Furthermore, it gives you insights in how you can influence the behaviour of that person. You can consciously show certain behaviour yourself or adapt your own behaviour to the behaviour of the other person.
Why would you trouble yourself assessing the other person’s behaviour and showing or adjusting your own? The most important reason is that it will assist you in having a more effective outcome of the interaction. More effective meaning achieving your objectives while continuing to keep a good relationship with the other person. Another advantage of assessing the other person’s behaviour and adjusting yours is preventing an automatic reaction.
Through life we all develop automatic patterns of behaviour: a standard way of reacting to others in certain situations. This automatic reaction is not always the most beneficial reaction for that particular situation. Therefore being conscious about your own behaviour and that of the other person can result in more effective interaction.
The vertical axe represents to which extent we are more/ less active while interacting with another person(s). Active meaning both verbally and non-verbally showing yourself: speaking, moving around, having eye contact, making gestures, speaking with emphasis, being independent, and influencing the other. Passive behaviour is characterized by being silent, nodding, avoiding eye contact, be polite, humming, conforming, and being more dependent.
The horizontal axe represents the closeness in relationship people have with each other. We-behaviour focuses on wanting to work together, helpful to others, and emphasizing mutual interests. I-behaviour focuses on own interests, fighting for these interests with for example arguments, and being critical.
Deactivate on the I-side:
Deactivate on the WE-side:
Deactivate on the I-side:
Deactivate on the WE-side: