Research Brief
A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.
Presenter
Richard Bellingham
Description
The idea is to frame all leadership competencies in a two dimensional grid. On the x axis are the 3 meta-skills of leadership: Identify, Build, and Drive. On the y axis are the four dimensions of leadership: Know and Grow Yourself, Know and Grow Your Team, Know and Grow your Organization, and Know and Grow your Clients. Over 100 leadership competencies can be organized in this grid.
Learning Points
- Listeners will be able to identify the 3 meta skills of leadership
- Listeners will be able to identify the 4 dimensions of leadership
- Listeners will be able to specify leadership competencies within the matrix.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Leadership competencies can be systematically organized within a two-dimensional grid called the Leadership Lexicon.
- 2.The framework’s horizontal axis consists of three core leadership meta-skills: Identify, Build, and Drive.
- 3.The vertical axis comprises four dimensions of growth: knowing and growing yourself, your team, your organization, and your clients.
- 4.This model can be used to map and specify over 100 distinct leadership competencies.
- 5.The framework helps leaders understand how different skills apply across various operational and strategic domains.
The Leadership Lexicon Framework
The Leadership Lexicon provides a structured, two-dimensional grid to organize and understand the full spectrum of leadership competencies. This model frames leadership development by mapping specific skills against core operational functions and distinct areas of influence.
The Two-Dimensional Grid
The power of this framework lies in its simplicity, organizing over 100 leadership competencies within a clear matrix.
X-Axis: The 3 Meta-Skills of Leadership
The horizontal axis of the grid outlines three fundamental meta-skills that are essential for effective leadership:
- Identify: Recognizing needs, opportunities, and challenges.
- Build: Developing teams, systems, and capabilities.
- Drive: Executing plans and achieving results.
Y-Axis: The 4 Dimensions of Leadership
The vertical axis represents the four key areas where a leader must apply their skills to foster growth and success:
- Know and Grow Yourself
- Know and Grow Your Team
- Know and Grow your Organization
- Know and Grow your Clients
By plotting competencies at the intersection of these axes, leaders can identify specific skills needed for their development and specify where each competency fits within their leadership journey.
This session explores the essential vocabulary and core concepts that define effective leadership today. Understanding this "leadership lexicon" is crucial for fostering clear communication, developing targeted skills, and navigating the complexities of organizational dynamics, even years after its initial recording.
What you'll learn
- A foundational understanding of key leadership terms and their practical applications.
- Insights into differentiating various leadership styles and approaches.
- How specific leadership competencies contribute to organizational success.
- Strategies for effectively communicating leadership concepts within your team or organization.
Who this webinar is for
This webinar is ideal for:
- Emerging and established leaders looking to refine their understanding of leadership principles.
- HR professionals involved in leadership development and training.
- Individuals seeking to improve their communication around leadership topics.
- Anyone interested in building a stronger foundation for their leadership journey.
Why it matters now
In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, a shared and precise understanding of leadership language is more vital than ever. It enables leaders to adapt quickly, articulate strategic visions clearly, and align teams effectively. Richard Bellingham emphasizes that a robust lexicon ensures everyone is speaking the same language when discussing performance, development, and organizational goals, which remains a timeless challenge.
How leaders can apply this
Leaders can immediately apply the insights from this webinar by:
- Using precise leadership terminology in coaching and mentoring conversations.
- Assessing their own competencies against a defined leadership vocabulary.
- Facilitating discussions within their teams to clarify shared understanding of leadership expectations.
- Integrating specific leadership concepts into performance reviews and development plans.
About this session
Key takeaways
Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on Leadership, Leadership Skills, and Leadership Competencies. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Richard Bellingham's direct experience.
Who this is for
CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for leadership inside their organization.
Why it matters now
Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about Leadership, Leadership Skills, and Leadership Competencies.
How to apply it
Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.