What is above the line leadership?

"Above the line leadership" is a model introduced by Jim Dethmer, focusing on awareness and self-location in emotional states during leadership situations. Leaders are either "above the line" or "below the line."

• Above the Line: Leaders are open, curious, and committed to learning. They operate in a state of trust—trusting themselves, those around them, and the broader environment or universe. This embodies a non-defensive posture, fostering effective communication and leadership.

• Below the Line: Leaders are closed, defensive, and focused on proving themselves right. This state is characterized by being reactive and constricted, which limits their ability to lead effectively.

The model encourages leaders to achieve self-awareness by recognizing and accepting their current state, asking whether they are in a state of trust or threat. The foundational skill in this model is the first act of self-awareness: assessing if one’s approach is open or closed, which significantly impacts leadership effectiveness 1 .