The Universal Applicability & Appeal of Self-Action Leadership

Self-Action Leadership (SAL) was intentionally written with a universal audience in mind.  Unlike many self-help or personal development books that focus on a single audience or undertaking (e.g. business/corporate, education, fitness, parenting, etc.), the principles contained in the SAL Theory & Model are specifically designed to benefit anyone at any age, in any group, facing any kind of life challenge or obstacle.  It is, quite literally, a one-size-fits-all guide for self-improvement and holistic personal growth.

According to Christopher P. Neck, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University:

"Jensen has accomplished a task that is very difficult for any author to achieve, and that is to produce a single text that is highly relevant to multiple audiences at the same time. Because of the universal applicability of basic self-leadership principles, his message is germane not only to persons struggling with OCD, depression, or other forms of mental illness, but to civic leaders, business professionals and workers of all kinds, educators, students, athletes, parents, and children—in short, to everyone. Indeed, I do believe that virtually anyone who reads this book will be able to take something away from it that will improve his or her life in a significant way. As an author myself, I am amazed at Jordan’s achievement in writing one book that carries the potential to reach such a wide variety of people—and that is the beauty of it."  Click HERE to read Neck's entire COMMENT.

For the past SEVEN weeks, we have been publishing individual articles that specifically articulate how Self-Action Leadership knowledge and training can benefit SEVEN different, targeted audiences.  In this week's post, we are including links to these seven articles (see end of article for links).

 No matter who you are, you will be able to find your own life's unique niche of experiences among these seven different audiences.  We invite you to scan this list to find the audience[s] that best fits your needs and then carefully read those article[s] that most ideally relate to YOU.

We then encourage you to share these articles with your colleagues, friends, and family members.

While the dawn of the AGE of AUTHENTICISM is already underway, it is just in the beginning stages.  Every person who adds to their knowledge and application of SAL-oriented principles and practices—whether you learn it from Freedom Focused or somewhere else—is like adding another brick to the massive structure of societal change for which ground has already been broken.  We invite you to join us in putting the morally penurious pages of postmodernism behind us by welcoming in a whole new age of thinking and being—an age where authenticity and integrity win the day, and eventually the era.

The SEVEN Audiences of Self-Action Leadership are as follows:  (Click on an audience to access its specific article)

AUDIENCE 1:  Individuals

AUDIENCE 2:  Students of all ages

AUDIENCE 3:  Educators, including Administrators, Teachers/Professors, etc.

AUDIENCE 4:  Business Professionals (Leaders, Managers, & Workers)

AUDIENCE 5:  Parents & Families

AUDIENCE 6:  Elected Officials and other high profile Leaders & Role Models

AUDIENCE 7:  Persons dealing with mental illness

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SELF-ACTION LEADERSHIP is the key catalyst for initiating transformational leadership that lasts in any organization. The truth of the matter really is that simple; and the transformation of organizations through the holistic development of individuals really is that difficult—yet altogether possible for anyone willing to invest the time, effort, and sacrifice required to achieve authentic, transformational results.

Unlike any training program that has ever preceded it, Self-Action Leadership provides a single vehicle wherewith individual self-leaders can discover—and then act—upon the great truth that HOLISTIC personal development and growth spanning the mental, moral, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social elements of our individual natures is within the grasp of each one of us.

Note: Freedom Focused is a non-partisan, for-profit, educational corporation. As such, we do not endorse or embrace political figures. We do, however, comment from time-to-time on historical or political events that provide pedagogical backdrops to illuminating principles contained in the SAL Theory & Model.

Click HERE to learn more about the SAL Theory & Model.

To receive weekly articles from Freedom Focused & Dr. Jordan R. Jensen, sign up with your e-mail address in the white box on the right side of this page where it says "Follow by E-mail."

Click HERE to buy a copy of Dr. Jordan Jensen's new book, Self-Action Leadership: The Key to Personal, Professional, & Global Freedom.

Click HERE to read more about Dr. Jensen's book, Self-Action Leadership, and to review what experts in the leadership field are saying about this groundbreaking new personal development handbook.

Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Jordan R. Jensen. Click HERE to visit the Freedom Focused website.

What the Experts are Saying about Dr. Jordan Jensen's New Book

Praise for Self-Action Leadership: 

The Key to Personal & Professional Freedom

"In Self Action Leadership, Jordan Jensen has assembled a leadership masterpiece anchored steadfastly in true principles of philosophy and human behavior. In wonderfully written prose, Jordan reminds us of who we are and what it takes to live and lead with honor. Moreover, he challenges us to live up to the high calling of being human beings with a special mission on this Earth. To accomplish our mission, we must do two major things: grow in our sense of personal responsibility, and in turn, care for others and help them to do the same. I grappled with these two areas in a primal way during more than five years as a POW in Vietnam. Now I’m thrilled to see how Jordan has laid out SAL by using the vehicle of story to illuminate his own, unique journey of transcending adversity. In so doing, he has inspired us all to become who we are capable of becoming. Bravo!”

Colonel Lee Ellis (retired)
U.S. Air Force, Vietnam POW Survivor (Hanoi Hilton), author of Leading With Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton, and President & Founder of Leadership Freedom LLC and FreedomStar Media

"There is no more important contributor to your own effectiveness than how you lead yourself.  If you want to learn a great deal about the latest thinking on self-leadership, read this book."

Charles C. Manz, Ph.D.
Nirenberg Chaired Professor of Business Leadership at The University of Massachusetts, co-author of Mastering Self-Leadership: Empowering Yourself for Personal Excellence, and Father of the self-leadership field in the Academe.

"Jordan Jensen has written a thorough, intense, and illuminating autobiographical volume about how to lead self.  His story, compounded by OCD and a determination to improve, will help others reflect on how they might best lead themselves -- given whatever genetic endowment or mimetic inheritance they may have received.  Jordan's depth of analysis and self-insight will inspire others to take a similarly in-depth review of who they are and who they want to be--at least once before they die--a journey well worth the effort."

James G.S. Clawson, Ph.D.
Faculty member of The Darden Graduate School of Business at The University of Virginia (retired), and author of Level Three Leadership: Getting Below the Surface

"While a number of books and articles have been written on the topic of self-leadership, Jordan Jensen's Self-Action Leadership goes deep below the surface level of basic self-leading strategies and accompanying examples to provide an in-depth examination of how self-leadership processes can be woven effectively into the fabric of one's life.  A deeply personal and richly emotive narrative, Self-Action Leadership takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, providing one of the most detailed and applied treatments of self-leadership concepts currently available."

Jeffery D. Houghton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management at West Virginia University, and leading self-leadership Scholar


"Reading this book may be the most worthwhile thing you do this year.  I hope the message of Self-Action Leadership makes its way into the minds and hearts of students, parents, and business professionals everywhere.  Its presence in the literature is a service to our Country."

David G. Anthony, Ed.D.
CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas, and former Superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District

"Jensen has accomplished a task that is very difficult for any author to achieve, and that is to produce a single text that is highly relevant to multiple audiences at the same time.  Because of the universal applicability of his basic self-leadership principles, his message is germane not only to persons struggling with OCD, depression, or other forms of mental illness, but to civic leaders, business professionals and workers of all kinds, educators, students, parents, and children--in short, to EVERYONE.  Indeed, I do believe that virtually anyone who reads this book will be able to take away something from it that will improve his or her life in a significant way."

Christopher P. Neck, Ph.D. 
University Master Teacher at Arizona State University, co-author of Mastering Self-Leadership: Empowering Yourself for Personal Excellence, and a leading self-leadership Scholar


"Most of us have challenges that we seek to explain through our genetic predispositions.  It is the select few who consider their internal resources and make the choice to master those challenges.  Dr. Jensen, through his own experiences and research, has taken the latter path--The Road Less Traveled.  Anyone who seeks greater insight into their inner struggles, and desires the tools to overcome those struggles--to master self, will find this book a must read!"

Bruce H. Jackson, Ed.M, MBA, MA, Ph.D., MPA
Founder & CEO of The Institute of Applied Human Excellence, and author of Finding Your Flow: How to Identify Your Flow Assets and Liabilities--The Keys to Peak Performance Every Day

"Do Jensen's narrative of his battle with OCD is brutally honest.  He takes the reader inside the mind of a young man struggling to understand himself, to be accepted by his peers, and eventually how to overcome great odds and succeed.  If you have OCD, know someone who has OCD, or counsel people with this devastating disorder, this book is a must read."

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen L. Jensen (retired) 
U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot (F-15 Eagle) 


"Jensen's autoethnographic study is a comprehensive and detailed account of his personal journey in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and taking action steps to fulfill his personal and professional goals.  He intimately chronicles his struggle with the challenges of OCD and outlines a comprehensive self-leadership system for successfully managing it.  This book offers hope for those with OCD.  It also serves as a helpful guide for anyone who wants to unlock their own self-leadership potential."

Rodney J. Beaulieu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, California State University San Marcos


"If you find yourself in Hell, you might be lucky enough to come across this book.  Psychotherapists, such as myself, can show you a path, but Jordan outlines individual footsteps you can follow to freedom.  Jordan approached his OCD and depression with unusual determination and proactivity.  His story offers an inspiring model of a patient's full acceptance of responsibility for one's own treatment, which is paramount to a successful outcome.  His theory and model -- the result of keen self-awareness, reflection, and study -- offer hope for those who struggle with mental illness and other life challenges.  He has demonstrated the courage required to take the first steps, as well as the commitment to keep going."

Irene Tobis, Ph.D.
Former President of OCD Texas, an affiliate of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF)


"Dr. Jensen shares insightful stories and powerful principles that create an incredibly solid foundation of self-leadership knowledge, but he doesn't stop there.  The read is also guided through the same process of self-discover that Jensen himself went through to become a self-leader.  The combination of sound philosophy and guided self-exploration make this book a truly unique and powerful tool in creating self-leaders."

Josh Rohatinsky, MPA
NCAA Division-I Cross-Country Champion (2006), former professional distance runner (Nike), and Vice President of Operations for Brooksee


"Any student would benefit from the principles of Self-Action Leadership that Jordan Jensen teaches.  Unfortunately, too many young people today don't learn these principles in their homes.  If they don't pick them up somewhere, they are at a disadvantage in life."

Joseph N. Jensen, M.A. (Ed.D. 2015)
Principal at Orem Junior High School and Utah State middle school Principle of the Year (2013)


"Jordan Jensen's empowering book shares candid personal insights into the challenges of living with OCD and the broadly applicable process he has been using to continually overcome it.  We have read about several different mental challenges, but never as a firsthand account written in such a detailed and self-disclosing fashion.  It reads like a page-turner novel that is coupled with a powerful process of improving one's ability to self-lead.  Jordan's Self-Action Leadership theory & model is applicable to all.  Thanks Jordan!"

Brad & Elizabeth Chappell
Husband, Father, Financial Advisor
Wife, Mother, Novelist


"As a high school English teacher who also facilitates a Student Leadership class, I was thrilled to learn about this insightful guide to self-leadership that can be used as a resource in classes just like mine.  Thank you, Jordan!  As an educator, it is encouraging to know that there are people out there like Dr. Jensen who are working hard to support administrators, teachers, parents, and students alike.  I am confident his message of Self-Action leadership will help to provide the guidance our youth so desperately need to become effective self-leaders and productive members of society."

Shannon Lindholm
High School Teacher, Magnolia High School, Magnolia Texas


"Dr. Jensen, through his experience teaching, brings to light the importance of teaching leadership and character inside the classroom.  Teachers will feel empowered to impact youth outside of prescribed curriculum through their better understanding of Self-Action Leadership."

James Fraser
Teacher & Coach, Caney Creek High School, Conroe, Texas

SAL Book: The Foreword & Afterward

Self-Action Leadership:

The Key to Personal, Professional, & Global Freedom

Foreword

By: Christopher P. Neck, Ph.D.

University Master Teacher, Arizona State University

David McCullough – that famous historian and author of our time – once remarked: “The only way to teach history, to write history, to bring people into the magic of transforming yourself into other times, is through the vehicle of the story. It isn't just a chronology. It’s about people. History is human.” With these words in mind, Jordan Jensen’s comprehensive work on self-leadership, built on the foundation of his own, unique self-leadership history, is truly an exceptional work for two distinct reasons.

First, Self-Action Leadership applies the method of teaching outlined by McCullough. There are many good definitions and explanations of self-leadership out there, but Jordan’s work stands apart because he teaches us the concept through the vehicle of storytelling. And the wonderment of the story is that it is his own. In the pages that follow, Jensen articulately chronicles his own self-leadership successes. In doing so, he does not withhold the painful details surrounding the many struggles and failures preceding those successes. With unusual honesty and courageous self-disclosure, he opens our eyes to our own imperfect, yet determined, humanity by providing a fascinating look into his own. In the process, he inspires us to transcend whatever adversity comes our way to eventually realize the full extent of our life’s potential. But he does not stop at sharing his story. He goes on to utilize his narrative as a foundation for expanding self-leadership theory by introducing his own, original theory and model— the Self-Action Leadership Theory & Model.

Second, Jensen has accomplished a task that is very difficult for any author to achieve, and that is to produce a single text that is highly relevant to multiple audiences at the same time. Because of the universal applicability of basic self-leadership principles, his message is germane not only to persons struggling with OCD, depression, or other forms of mental illness, but to civic leaders, business professionals and workers of all kinds, educators, students, athletes, parents, and children—in short, to everyone. Indeed, I do believe that virtually anyone who reads this book will be able to take something away from it that will improve his or her life in a significant way. As an author myself, I am amazed at Jordan’s achievement in writing one book that carries the potential to reach such a wide variety of people—and that is the beauty of it.

This book will do much more than just teach you about Self-Action Leadership. It will cause you to think deeply about how you are currently living your own life, and how you could better lead yourself to achieve the results you most desire in the long-run. More importantly, Jensen’s compelling story and courageous personal example, combined with his percipient ability to effectively teach the corresponding self-leadership principles, will inspire and motivate you to actually do something about what you will learn. In the process, it might even touch emotions in your heart that will move you to joy and tears. It takes a talented writer to do all of these things, so I know you’ll enjoy reading this book. More importantly, I know you’ll come away a wiser person with an increased motivation to begin taking action to realize your own Self-Action Leadership potential, an opportunity we can all take full advantage of, if only we will.

About Dr. Chris Neck

Christopher P. Neck, Ph.D. is one of the world’s most prestigious and prolific scholars in the self-leadership field. He is a lead co-author (with Dr. Charles C. Manz) of Mastering Self-Leadership: Empowering Yourself for Personal Excellence (2nd-6th Editions) – the textbook on self-leadership used at colleges and universities throughout the nation.

Dr. Neck earned a Bachelor’s degree and MBA from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in Management from Arizona State University, where he is currently an Associate Professor of Management. At ASU, he also holds the distinctive and singular title of University Master Teacher.

Before ASU, Neck taught at Virginia Polytechnic University (Virginia Tech), where he was awarded the prestigious Students’ Choice Teacher of the Year Award NINE TIMES between 1996 and 2008 (This award is a student-voted accolade honoring the best teacher of the year within the entire University).

Dr. Neck has published nearly 100 scholarly works in the form of books, textbooks, book chapters, and peer reviewed articles. His research specialties include: leadership, self-leadership, employee/executive fitness, self-managing teams, and group decision making processes.

Dr. Neck has done training for the U.S. Army as well as major corporations such as GE/Toshiba, America West Airlines, Dillard’s, Prudential Life Insurance, Busch Gardens, Clark Construction, Crestar, American Family Insurance, Sales and Marketing Executives International, American Electric Power, and W.L. Gore and Associates. His writing has been cited in major news publications including: The Houston Chronicle, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

In addition to Mastering Self-Leadership, Neck is the lead co-author of Management—a seminal textbook for introductory classes in Management (Neck, Lattimer, & Houghton; Wiley, 2014) and Entrepreneuring—a seminal textbook for introductory classes in Entrepreneurism (Neck, Neck, & Murray; SAGE, 2015). He is also the author or co-author of Fit to Lead: The Proven 8-Week Solution for Shaping up Your Body, Your Mind, and Your Career (2004), Mastering Self-Leadership (2012, 2010, 2007, 2004, 1999), The Wisdom of Solomon at Work (2001), For Team Members Only: Making Your Workplace Team Productive and Hassle-Free (1997), and Medicine for The Mind: Healing Words to Help You Soar (2007).

In his personal life, Chris is a husband and proud father of a son and daughter. An avid runner, he has also completed 12 marathons including the New York, San Diego, and elite Boston. To-date, his longest continuous run is 40 miles.

For more information about Dr. Neck and his work and consulting services, or to contact him personally, please visit his website at www.chrisneck.com

Afterword

Dr. David G. Anthony, CEO of Raise Your Hand Texas

By: David G. Anthony, Ed.D.CEO, Raise Your Hand Texas

When Jordan originally invited me to review an 802-page manuscript of this book, I balked a bit, wondering when I would possibly have time to review such a tome. It is interesting to note how some of life’s most important, rewarding, and ultimately enjoyable tasks initially appear so uninviting. In the end, I opted to set myself to the task, and I am so glad that I did.

As I poured through the pages, my mind soon became flooded with memories, thoughts and experiences from my four-plus decade career as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now CEO. From then on, there was no way to put the work aside. As I reflected further on Jordan’s “Pedagogy of Personal Leadership,” I found myself wishing I had enjoyed access to the book when I was a 21-year-old teacher working with high school seniors, and when I was a 25-year-old principal working with teachers and students.

As I continued to read, cliché’s like, “Leaders are born, not made” were removed from my gray matter and discarded. Instead, I thought of Shakespeare: “To thine own self be true,” and “Discretion is the greater part of valor.” Shakespeare got it. Furthermore, my mother’s admonition of, “How do you ever expect to be loved by others if you don’t love yourself,” could just have easily been, “How can you expect to lead others, if you can’t even lead yourself?” In short, Jordan has eloquently articulated the need for, and importance of, leadership, character, and life-skill education in American businesses, schools, and homes. More importantly, he has outlined an explicit theory, model, and pedagogy to provide leaders, educators, parents, and individuals with a tangible toolbox and roadmap for immediate application.

As I delved deeper into Jordan’s book, the passages called up a memory of an interview where I was asked, “What are the most important things you hope your students learn?” I was principal of a school at the time, and I said, “My hope is that all of our students are highly literate and numerate and understand the importance of self discipline, responsibilities, and consequences. Then, no matter what goals they set, they will have the recipe for success.” I was under thirty years of age and my comments were crude compared to Jordan Jensen’s polished presentation, but not considerably off target.

If Jordan’s career had preceded mine and I could have used his book as a teacher, principal and superintendent, I would have positively impacted more students and teachers during my 37-year career by providing them with a key to potential success and significance. It is highly encouraging to see that this book has now been written for a new generation of leaders, educators, professionals, and students to use as a guide to their personal development. It is even more encouraging to know that its author exemplifies the principles he promotes.

I thank Jordan for inviting me to read this work. He has earned my endorsement. Reading this book may be the most worthwhile thing you do this year. I hope the message of Self-Action Leadership makes its way into the minds and hearts of students, parents, and business professionals everywhere. Its presence in the literature is a service to our Country.

About Dr. David Anthony

Dr. Anthony grew up in rural Louisiana (Florien). He graduated from high school in 1970 prior to attending Panola College in Carthage, Texas, where he played on the basketball team. He later completed a Bachelors degree in English and history at East Texas Baptist College in Marshall Texas. In 1977, he earned a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

From there, he served as Principal of a K-12 school in Converse, Louisiana, where he began a 9-year journey that included leading his school from “Worst to First.” Along the way, Anthony earned his Doctorate in Education Administration from Northwestern State University in 1986, and became a Superintendent. He served as Superintendent in High Island, Texas, Mount Pleasant, Texas, and Texas City, Texas, before taking over in McKinney, Texas where he oversaw growth from 9,800 students to 18,000 students during his tenure of five and one-half years.

Anthony’s successes in rural Texas and suburban Dallas (McKinney) caught the attention of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, where he was hired as Superintendent in 2004. With over 112,000 students, Cy-Fair ISD is the third largest School District in the State of Texas and among the 25 largest Districts in the entire United States.

Anthony served at the helm of Cy-Fair ISD for seven years before accepting a position as CEO at Raise Your Hand Texas, a non-profit education advocacy organization that works to strengthen public education in the State of Texas by training public school leaders to lead transformational change at the campus level. Raise Your Hand Texas also advocates for public policies aimed at improving the education of all Texas students.

Anthony is a graduate of the Aspen Institute and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. A husband, father, and grandfather, Anthony resides in Houston, Texas.