Scientific Approach

Model, Process, and Solutions


Our Scientific Approach

About the Worthy Leadership Model

In the early days of our company, founder Dale Thompson set out to challenge conventional leadership thinking. He believed leadership wasn’t just about skills or ambition—it was about something deeper. To spark fresh research, he created a grant with a bold name: “Tell Me if I’m Stupid.”

The grant was awarded to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where researchers put our Worthy Leadership Model to the test. Their findings confirmed what we had long believed: great leadership is built on three essential elements.

  • Capacity – The foundation of leadership performance that includes critically important skills, knowledge, and experience.
  • Commitment – The multifaceted passions and energies that propel leaders to extraordinary performance.
  • Character – The integrity, ethics, and courage to earn and maintain stakeholder trust, and to be accountable.

The research led to one final, fundamental question: Who will people actually follow?
The answer was clear—leaders who demonstrate all three traits. When Capacity, Commitment, and Character come together, they create leadership that’s not just effective but truly worth following.

Intersecting Business with Science

We’re more than an assessment toolbox—we’re partners in leadership transformation. We align with your business goals to ensure every step is purposeful. Beyond delivering data, we provide smart, actionable insights that drive real change. But strategy alone isn’t enough—we help implement action items so leaders grow in meaningful ways. And because progress matters, we track success for lasting impact. Our thoughtful, results-driven approach builds capable, committed, and character-driven leaders.

Shaping Leaders at Every Stage

Leadership assessments and development tools build strong leaders at every stage—from hiring to succession. They help identify top talent, guide growth with personalized coaching, enhance engagement by aligning strengths with roles, and ensure a steady pipeline of future-ready leaders. Applied across key leadership needs, these tools foster capable, committed, and character-driven leadership.

LWF Suite of Solutions
Talent Life Cycle
Selection
Assessments
Development Assessments
Executive Coaching
Leadership Development Programs
Succession Planning
Hiring
Securing the right leader requires more than experience—data-driven insights identify candidates with the capacity, commitment, and character to lead effectively.
Developing
Investing in leadership development builds a strong pipeline, enhances engagement, and equips leaders at every level with the skills to navigate change and drive impact.
Retaining
Keeping top leaders means fostering growth and connection; when leaders feel valued and supported, they stay and strengthen the organization.
Succession Planning
Strategic succession planning ensures leadership continuity, mitigates turnover risks, and develops future-ready leaders for long-term success.
Scaling Resources
HR teams enhance their impact with the right support; external expertise helps expand capacity, bridge skill gaps, and build strategies that strengthen leadership and organizational success. 

What distinguishes LWF from other consulting practices is that they are the  ‘real deal’ – not just theoretical like many other practices. They have real business experience and know what works in the real world. I have found them to be much more effective than other organizations.

Top HR Executive of one of America’s largest private companies