But with endless books, expensive programs, and scattered advice out there, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure where to begin.
That’s why Kai Degner created the SIMPLER Leader/ship Frameworks—to give you a clear, practical roadmap for growing as a leader.
"I spent 20+ years in roles that demanded real leadership—serving as a mayor, nonprofit director, university administrator, and leadership coach. I’ve studied leadership deeply as a doctoral candidate in Strategic Leadership, and I’ve seen how much simpler things can be when you have the right tools at the right time." - Kai
The SIMPLER Leader/ship Framework focuses on what matters most to lead at two levels:
Self —how you lead yourself with clarity, integrity, and resilience.
Team —how you lead others by building trust, coordination, and shared success.
SIMPLER provides seven growth areas for each level and equips individuals with the mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets to lead with purpose, clarity, and adaptability.
These growth areas let you focus on the right areas at the right time, whether you’re just stepping into leadership or ready to expand your effectiveness.
Whether you're an emerging changemaker, a seasoned executive, or community builder, SIMPLER offers a structured path to grow your personal capacity while cultivating high-performing, values-driven teams.
Focus: Developing personal leadership capacity so individuals can act with clarity, integrity, and resilience—even in uncertainty.
S – Self Identity
Identify and overcome barriers to viewing yourself as part of the leadership process.
I – Integrity
Act in alignment with your values, commitments, and words.
M – Make Meaning
Take ownership of the meaning you make of your circumstances and events around you.
P – Prioritize
Identify and focus on what matters most.
L – Learn
Stay open and adaptive by continuously integrating new insights.
E – Execute
Follow through with disciplined action and accountability.
R – Reflect
Practice routinely pausing to examine results of behaviors, interpretations, and mindset.
Focus: Leading collaborative, adaptive teams that can navigate complexity and deliver results.
S – Synchronize
Align people, roles, timelines, and tools for coordinated progress towards shared goals.
I – Innovate
Foster creativity and adaptability to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
M – Meet
Design and lead effective meetings that move participants forward towards goals.
P – Prioritize
Clarify goals and prioritize for short- and long-term success.
L – Listening Culture
Create group norms that consistently leave participants feeling heard.
E – Empower
Enable others to lead, contribute, and grow in meaningful ways.
R – Refine
Regularly assess and improve team processes and outcomes.