From where does the name Leading Indicators™ derive its roots?

The name Leading Indicators™ is significant for two reasons:

Most leadership assessment tools on the market today appear under the label of “competency” models. But effective leadership is a function of both competency AND character. In fact, in the research behind Leading Indicators, character issues emerge to the top of people’s criteria for what makes an effective leader far more than competency issues. Thus, the term “Indicator” is used to encompass both competency + character factors.

Many leadership assessment tools simply measure a leader’s present (or past) effectiveness. But Leading Indicators™ has the capacity to enhance an organization’s ability to predict future potential for specific leadership roles. In such a way it becomes a “leading” indicator.