C. The Collective Leadership Model™ Trademark Rationale & Differentiation Summary 1. What It Is The Collective Leadership Model™ is an original leadership-performance framework developed specifically for modern, knowledge-based, team-centered organizations. It defines leadership not as a role or hierarchy, but as a shared behavioral system expressed through five core capacities: Curiosity Collaboration Appreciation Adaptability Ownership These five elements combine into a unified behavioral architecture that explains and predicts team performance across different maturity levels. The model is designed to be actionable, coachable, measurable, and applicable across industries. 2. What Makes It Distinct & Trademark-Eligible A. A Unique Behavioral Architecture Most leadership models focus on competencies, traits, or values. The Collective Leadership Model™ is distinct because: It integrates five specific, interdependent capacities that work collectively, not independently. These capacities form a dynamic progression, not a fixed list. Each capacity is defined behaviorally (what the leader does) and relationally (how it impacts others). This gives the model a structure, purpose, and internal coherence that is not found in generic leadership frameworks. B. Situates Leadership at the Team Level Rather Than Individual Level Traditional leadership models describe qualities of a leader. The Collective Leadership Model™ shifts the lens by: Redefining leadership as a shared team capability, not an individual trait. Showing how teams distribute leadership behaviors based on context, strengths, and situational requirements. Mapping how leadership emerges horizontally rather than vertically. This "collective" lens is a unique conceptual departure that demonstrates original thought leadership. C. Applies to Both Human Dynamics and AI-Enabled Teaming A major differentiator: The model is intentionally built for hybrid human + AI environments. The capacities reflect the areas where humans retain irreplaceable advantage (e.g., curiosity, empathy, adaptability) and how AI augments—not replaces—these behaviors. This connection to the future of work, especially within wealth advisory, makes the model unique in both content and application. D. Integrates Psychological Safety, Team Maturity, and Performance Science This model synthesizes several disciplines, but in a way that is fully original: Uses psychological safety as a behavioral outcome, not just an environmental condition. Links each capacity to specific performance drivers used in wealth advisory teams. Demonstrates a maturity pathway—how teams grow in each capacity over time. This integrated design is unique to your intellectual property. 3. How It Represents Your Original Thought Leadership A. Clarifies the Essential Human Capacities Required in High-Performance Teams Instead of listing dozens of competencies, you distilled leadership to five critical behaviors that drive collaboration and innovation in today’s environment. This becomes a memorable, teachable, and coachable model—hallmarks of strong trademarkable IP. B. Introduces a “Collective” Paradigm That Few Leadership Models Emphasize The model stands out because it: Moves beyond individual success factors Focuses on how teams actually operate in complex, interdependent environments Aligns with your wider frameworks (Efficient Frontier of Teaming™, Bullseye Method™, Team Contract™, etc.) Few models focus on team-sourced leadership behaviors—this is a defensible differentiator. C. Integrates with Your Coaching Voice and Diagnostic Tools Your model is embedded through: Team assessments Coaching protocols Case studies Exercises Maturity diagnostics Conversation prompts This gives it an operational system—making it more than a concept and therefore suitable for trademark protection. 4. Why It Should Be Trademarked The Collective Leadership Model™ meets key criteria for trademarkability: It is clearly named. It has a unique structure and proprietary definitions. It differentiates your coaching and advisory services in the market. It is now referenced in a full book, coaching programs, and advisory frameworks. Clients use it to understand team performance in a way that cannot be replicated by generic leadership models. Trademarking protects the name and visual representation of the framework, ensuring other firms cannot use your terminology or positioning.