Earl Wallace

Three-dimensional leaders have these capacities: 

1. to focus long term on the mission the organization is relying upon them to achieve, while avoiding distractions; 
2. to rally resources so people reach their collective potential, and 
3. to convert within the context by strategically guiding the organization to adjust to the ever-changing relevant variables that impacts how the business must operate.  It is this mission, resources, and context (MRC) focus that provides tremendous outcomes for organizations. 

Two-dimensional leaders only perceive just one or two of the MRC operational elements. One-dimensional leaders do not focus on their organizations’ missions, but are enticed by distractions, overwhelmed by insecurities and/or consumed with name recognition, and the perks of power and control.  One-dimensional leadership is all about “me” – not the mission!

Great leaders demonstrate the character and competence to achieve the MRC three-dimensional capacity.  Leadership character means 

• resisting temptations to move the organization in directions that detract from its mission and purpose for existing; 
• knowing how to work with others in open, honest, and selfless ways to motivate what makes the organization successful; and 
• objectively analyzing variables to know which are relevant, and pursuing effective courses of action in relation to them.  

To achieve this three-dimensional leadership capacity requires the ability to “Submit Ego to the Mission” (SEM).  


Many people talk mission, but few keep the best interest of the organization at heart and walk out processes that are consistent with that day in and day out.  Many people say they make the best use of organizational resources, yet they mistreat people, who are the most valuable resource.  Many say they are objective, yet they allow others to leverage relationships to undermine what is best for the organization.  Are you a SEM master?

3-D MRC Values  


The Three-Dimensional Leader: Negotiating Your Mission, Resources and Context (MRC) is a value system designed to motivate a focus on three essentials.  The most effective leaders 

1. stay focused on the mission the organization wants accomplished;
2. inspire, train, motivate and support people as the chief organizational resource necessary to achieve it, and 
3. understand the context of relevant variables the organization continually must adjust to amend operations to fulfill its goals. 

While the “mission, resources and context” model seems simple, sustaining an MRC focus is challenging and rare.  This is because people either fail to fully realize their organization’s mission, or they lose sight of it very quickly in the heat of the moment and when faced with the numerous temptations that distract us to pursue private interests or initiatives. 

Three-dimensional Leaders keeps a long range view of the organization’s MRC’s.  Two-dimensional leaders only see one or two of the MRC elements. One-dimensional leaders do not care about their organization’s mission, and instead use their positions to pursue personal agendas.  One-dimensional leadership is all about “me,” not the mission.

What Kind of Leader Are You?   

Even though you may be amazingly talented and charismatic, if you can’t get groups of people to achieve the mission, you are not a 3-D leader. Two-dimensional leaders also fail to treat all the people in the organization objectively. As they play favorites, they set up “us vs. them” dynamics, pitting members of the organization against each other. 

See In 3-D

Three-Dimensional Leaders discern the context and encourage others to use their gifts, talents and abilities to solve problems that accomplish organizational goals. The 3-D MRC management system improves, oversight, workplaces and organizational performance by promoting better leadership and goal-focused employee behaviors.