In a thriving village, leadership is not about power over others—it’s about walking with them. Both the Situational Leadership Model and the Akoben Social Discipline Window remind us that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. It is relational, adaptive, and deeply human. These models mirror what it means to lead in a village: to meet people where they are, offer what is needed in the moment, and cultivate shared responsibility for growth and belonging.
Just like in a village:
The With quadrant—the heart of restorative practice—is the spirit of the village. It is where people are seen, challenged, supported, and trusted. It is where relationships are central, and every member has a role in shaping the health of the whole.
So when we ask, What does it mean to be a Champion in the Village?, part of the answer lies here:
To be a Champion is to lead with intention, with heart, and with others—embodying the flexibility, care, and accountability that make a village strong.
In every strong village, leadership is not about controlling others—it’s about walking with them, shoulder to shoulder. The Village of Champions is built on this principle. Whether we’re supporting a peer, mentoring a student, or working across systems, leadership in the village calls us to balance care with challenge, and flexibility with accountability.
Two powerful frameworks help us explore what it means to lead in this way: the Situational Leadership Model and the Akoben Social Discipline Window. Together, they affirm that effective leadership is relational and responsive—just like life in a village. They remind us that leaders must continuously ask:
What does this person need right now? How do I lead with—not over or for—them?
Developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, the Situational Leadership Model teaches that leadership should adapt to the readiness and development of those being led. In a village, not everyone needs the same thing at the same time—and a wise leader adjusts accordingly. This framework maps onto the very heart of the With quadrant—the restorative space where connection meets expectation, and where empowerment, growth, and mutual trust take root.
The model outlines four leadership styles:
In a village context, this model helps leaders discern when to teach, when to walk alongside, when to cheer from the sidelines, and when to trust others to lead.
The Akoben Social Discipline Window builds on restorative practices and emphasizes how leadership choices reflect different balances of expectations (challenge) and relationships (connection).
It defines four approaches:
In a village, the With approach is foundational. It’s how we hold each other accountable while creating space for repair, resilience, and right relationship.