In the recorded history of the world, there are three major traditions of education.

First, conveyor belt education trains the masses in basic literacy, lifting generations from poverty toward better jobs and lives.  The emphasis is on “what to think” as dictated by others in order to get “right” answers, be “good’ students, and most of all, “fit in” with an externally imposed structure defining worth. Those who are able to navigate the playground politics and jump the requisite hoops receive the rewards of conformity to the academic and societal norm.

Second, professional education trains experts in fields including medicine, law, business, accounting, engineering, and many others. Professional education uses a competitive conveyor belt methodology to establish a standard that our society depends upon for safety, efficiency and order.  Those professionally trained in their fields become experts who are compensated to the degree that they effectively apply the model of “when to think.”  Professional education creates an “expert class” whose explanations, recommendations and standards are trusted and valued by conveyor belt educated masses that have been trained to act and think according to the expertise of others.

Third, Leadership Education trains thinkers, leaders, artists, inventors, citizens, entrepreneurs, and statesmen.  It educates
individuals “how to think” and teaches them why it is important.  As Robert Hutchins put it, this type of education is “the education of free men in the knowledge and skills that are needed to remain free.”

Leadership Education prepares leaders who motivate individuals, communities and nations to greater good in an environment of liberty that allows all that is best to flourish. Though the problems civilization presents may be new, the process of solving problems is not.  Leaders taught in this manner act according to ageless principles of success.  They are taught that the accomplishment of their mission in their homes, communities and societies will create impactful and uplifting change.  Their vision, capacity, tenacity and involvement inspire and motivate others to worthwhile purposes that elevate society.

~Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning, by Oliver and Rachel
DeMille (2010)