What is Reasoned Leadership?
Reasoned Leadership is a mechanistic leadership framework developed by Dr. David M Robertson through GrassFire Industries LLC. Unlike traditional leadership models that rely on personality traits, emotional appeals, or abstract ideals, Reasoned Leadership is built on defined variables, causal pathways, and testable propositions.

At its core, Reasoned Leadership recognizes that effective leadership is not accidental. It is the product of sound thinking, accurate decisions, and effective communication, all grounded in reality rather than sentiment. The framework critiques popular but structurally flawed approaches and replaces them with a system that can be taught, measured, and replicated.
Reasoned Leadership operates alongside two companion frameworks:
- Reasoned Development – A structured approach to personal growth and behavioral modification
- Clinical Leaderology – The diagnostic and intervention methodology for leadership dysfunction
Together, these frameworks form the foundation of modern leaderology as an applied social science.
Learn More: Check out ReasonedLeadership.org
The Nine Pillars of Reasoned Leadership
Reasoned Leadership is anchored by nine interdependent pillars that define what effective leadership requires:
Human Preconditions
- Autonomy – The capacity to act without unnecessary external control while enabling autonomy in others
- Mastery/Competence – Demonstrated capability to perform the work of leadership accurately
- Purpose/Relatedness – A shared understanding of why the work matters and how individuals belong to that mission
Operational Integrity
- Consistencies – Reliable alignment between stated values, decisions, and actions over time
- Accuracies – Commitment to truth, correctness, and reality-based assessment
- Efficiencies – Optimal use of time, energy, and resources toward defined objectives
Cognitive and Communicative Execution
- Sound Thinking – Structured reasoning that resists bias, emotion-driven shortcuts, and narrative substitution
- Accurate Decisions – Choosing the right action based on the best available information
- Effective Communication – Clear, purposeful transmission of meaning that produces understanding and alignment
These pillars are not aspirational values. They are operational requirements with observable behaviors and measurable outcomes.
Auxesis LLC: The Official Training Authority
Auxesis LLC is the designated training house for Reasoned Leadership, authorized to deliver the complete curriculum and award practitioner credentials. Our training programs are developed in coordination with GrassFire Industries LLC (the framework’s origin) and verified by the National Leaderology Association (NLA).

As an NLA-Verified organization, Auxesis maintains the standards, rigor, and integrity required to produce competent Reasoned Leadership practitioners.
Certification Pathway
Reasoned Leadership training follows a three-tier structure:
| Tier | Credential | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Foundations Certificate | Core concepts, Nine Pillars, terminology, structural analysis of traditional models |
| Tier 2 | Advanced Certificate | Deep application, Contrastive Inquiry, bias control, strategic execution |
| Tier 3 | Practitioner Credential | Practicum, case documentation, capstone defense |
Practitioner Designations:
Upon completing Tier 3, candidates earn one of two designations based on their educational background:
- ARLP (Associate Reasoned Leadership Practitioner) – Awarded to individuals who complete all training requirements but do not hold a leadership degree
- CRLP (Certified Reasoned Leadership Practitioner) – Awarded to individuals who complete all training requirements AND hold NLA verification at VLP (Leadership Professional) or higher
Individuals with NLA verification may display their credentials using overlay notation:
- VLP-CRLP (one leadership degree)
- VL1-CRLP (two leadership degrees)
- VL2-CRLP (three leadership degrees)
ARLP holders may upgrade to CRLP upon obtaining NLA verification at VLP or higher.
Why Train with Auxesis?
- Direct lineage – Our lead instructors trained directly with the framework’s creator
- NLA-Verified – Our programs meet the standards set by the National Leaderology Association
- Integrated approach – Training incorporates Reasoned Development and Clinical Leaderology principles
- Community support – Graduates join a network of practitioners committed to evidence-based leadership
Online programs coming soon!
Get Started
Ready to pursue Reasoned Leadership certification? Contact us to learn more about upcoming training cohorts and enrollment.
Verification:
- National Leaderology Association – Credential verification body
- GrassFire Industries LLC – Framework origin
Auxesis LLC is proud to serve as the official training authority for Reasoned Leadership.