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Leadership Emergence Theory (LET) in the Marketplace

Leadership Emergence Theory (LET) in the marketplace is Paul's adaptation of Dr. J. Robert Clinton’s leadership emergence theory for men and women who lead in businesses, schools, nonprofits, and communities outside traditional church structures. This framework helps you see how your experiences, opportunities, and challenges are shaping you into a leader who can live a focused life and ultimately finish well.

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Leadership doesn’t just happen, it’s formed over a lifetime through the way we respond to real circumstances.

Why Leadership Emergence Theory Matters for Leaders

Understanding these stages can change the way you see your work and your life.

Leadership Emergence helps you:

Recognize Boundaries and Plateaus


Instead of feeling stuck, LET helps you identify when you’re in a boundary season — and what that might mean for the next phase of development.

Grow With Intention, Not Just Effort


Many leaders try to push harder. LET helps you understand what you actually need to develop so that your growth is purposeful.

Strengthen Conversations With Others

Whether you’re mentoring, leading a team, or guiding small group curriculum conversations, LET makes these discussions more meaningful.

Make Decisions Aligned With Purpose

When you understand your stage of development, decisions become clearer. Instead of reacting to stress or expectation, you lead from direction.

GO DEEPER: ARTICLES, TOOLS & RESOURCES

Books and Small Group Curriculum on Life Planning and Focused Living

Available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats on Amazon.


Explore life-planning books and guides that walk you or your small group through your own leadership timeline, helping you reflect on your stages and make intentional decisions about your next season.

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Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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Beyond Boundaries

Visual odyssey across continents
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Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Blog Posts About Leadership Emergence

Explore key ideas—boundaries, convergence, calling, and the keys to finishing well—with practical reflection questions you can use personally or with a team.

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Leadership Emergence Theory for Marketplace Leaders

August 6, 2024
A practical guide to Leadership Emergence Theory for marketplace leaders seeking growth, purpose, and long-term impact grounded in Christlike character.
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Trainings & Courses

Dive deeper into LET with practical, accessible trainings that connect the framework to your daily work and growth.

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Mentorship, Coaching & Leadership Development at Grandview University

Directed by Dr. Paul Leavenworth, the Center’s seminars, workshops, and certifications are developed from his decades of leadership experience and body of work and are offered through the Adult Education Department.

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Free Downloads

Simple tools—time line worksheets, reflection questions, and stage summaries—give you a starting point for mapping your journey and identifying next steps in your leadership development.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD (.docx + .PDF)