Emerging as the Right Person in the Right Place at the Right Time: Leadership in the 21st Century Using the Ellison Model

Leadership is the bridge that helps connect the gap between a problem and a solution. In this manuscript, the author presents The Ellison Model, “a conceptual framework that focuses on relationships with a holistic alternative method of delivering programs and services from a context of inclusive community building.” The Ellison Model has five foci: inclusion, multicultural appreciation, mentorship, conflict resolution, and relationship building. These foci build leaders and teams that will solve problems in the least destructive way possible. The Ellison Model’s insistence on inclusion and embrace of multiculturalism make it the perfect model for leadership in the 21st century.

Adrian N. Carter has been impacting corporations, governmental entities, and institutions of higher education for over 16 years with his dynamic and progressive ability to lead, resolve conflict, and create solutions. As a conflict resolution practitioner, keynote speaker, author, international spoken word artist, poet, and leadership development coach with a master's degree in higher education leadership, Adrian is committed to influencing people through his training, publications, and poetry into becoming more caring, sharing, and loving individuals who understand the importance of inclusive community building. Adrian is also pursuing his doctorate degree in conflict analysis and resolution. Adrian's professional experiences with institutions of higher education, both as a student leader and a higher education administrator, have given him a first-hand understanding of both the desires and challenges institutions of higher education face. As a former Student Government President for two consecutive terms at Florida International University (FIU), Adrian is thankful for the opportunity that came under his presidency to lead a team that was directly responsible for allocating $7 million dollars to Student Affairs departments and programs, raising funds for international students, and helping welcome Division 1 football to FIU. Adrian also served as a member of FIU's Board of Directors. The impact Adrian N. Carter had on the department of Multicultural Programs and Services and Student Government propelled him into a professional career in Student Affairs for over 16 years, where he served as a higher education administrator in the roles of: Director of the Department of Student Life & Leadership Development; Associate Registrar/Student Records Administrator; Advisor to student leadership development organizations; and Adjunct faculty member. Through his leadership development trainings, which empowers every individual to be the right person, in the right place, at the right time via The Ellison Model, developed by Adrian's mentor, world-class sociologist and professor Dr. Deryl G. Hunt, Adrian travels the world teaching leaders that "It's not the problem that counts, it's the solution." Adrian N. Carter is your solution expert, calibrated for leadership in the 21st century with integrity and a deep care for teaching, learning, and approaching the social world with renewed ideas for inclusive community building.