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The 4Cs Leadership Framework

Our framework has a deep foundation in research and reflects the skills and behaviors proven to enable effective leadership. The Johnson School developed this model based on themes in academic research, industry publications, and corporate environments. The model has 16 competencies organized into four leadership areas, the 4Cs.

Character

Character is how your values and principles inform your actions and enable you to make honest, fair, and balanced decisions. At the Johnson School, students demonstrate their character in everything they do. Those who want to spend concerted time developing capabilities in this area can take ethics courses, put their character to the test on a leadership expedition or excursion, or seek and act on feedback about their leadership in academic and cocurricular settings.

The components of character are:

Integrity

Matching one’s actions and words

Ethics

Considering the process through which results are obtained, with a focus on fairness and values

Authenticity

Demonstrating self-awareness and transparency regarding one’s values, emotions, aspirations, strengths, and opportunities

Humility

Having an understanding of one’s own limitations and opportunities for growth and the willingness to be corrected

Cognition

Cognition is how you think, process, and respond to complex problems. At the Johnson School, students develop their capabilities in cognition by taking courses in critical thinking and strategy, applying new ways of thinking on projects and in case competitions, and engaging with the community in programs like Johnson Board Fellows or the Philanthropic Leadership course.

The components of cognition are:

Perspective Taking

Seeking out and valuing multiple opinions to examine an issue from all perspectives

Critical Thinking

Understanding assumptions, identifying root causes, and rationally evaluating problems and potential solutions

Strategic Thinking

Evaluating and integrating information across various domains to develop a competitive advantage

Impact Mindset

Considering and serving the greater good of the organization, community, and society

Connection

Connection is how you show respect and care for those you lead, working together with others to create positive outcomes. At the Johnson School, students develop their capabilities in connection by taking communications courses, focusing on how they work with teammates on projects and in student organizations, and taking on leadership roles.

The components of connection are:

Inclusivity

Creating an environment in which everyone feels they belong, are respected, and have valuable input

Empowerment

Helping others grow and succeed to their fullest potential

Engagement

Identifying and getting buy-in from key stakeholders for ideas and/or projects

Collaboration

Encouraging interdependence within the group/team and valuing personal effort toward group outcomes

Courage

Courage is how you dare to do things differently, take charge, make things better, and look ahead to enact change. At the Johnson School, students develop their capabilities in courage by stretching themselves as leaders, whether that’s leading student organizations, serving as a Johnson Leadership Fellow, or participating in leadership expeditions, excursions, and case competitions.

The components of courage are:

Vision

Developing, articulating, and inspiring others with a vision of the future

Action Orientation

Initiating activities and change

Candor

Engaging in difficult conversations when necessary

Resilience

Adapting to change and successfully navigating challenges

Students sitting on a stage in front of a microphone.

Developing in the Ways That Matter to You

At the Johnson School, students are encouraged to develop their leadership in the ways that are the most important to them. The 4Cs Leadership Framework guides leadership development by highlighting the skills most critical to effective leadership across contexts. Whether it’s enhancing a strength or embracing an opportunity to develop a new skill, at the Johnson School students can find ways to grow as leaders in each area highlighted in the 4Cs Leadership Framework through a variety of leadership opportunities.

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