THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF VALUES-BASED LEADERSHIP

After more than thirty years in business and having had the opportunity to serve in many leadership roles, I believe that the path to becoming a values-based leader begins and ends with what I call the four principles of values-based leadership. These principles are self-reflection, balance, true self-confidence, and genuine humility. The principles are interconnected, each building on and contributing to the others. Together, they form a solid foundation for values-based leadership.

At first glance, the four principles of values-based leadership may seem simplistic. However, they are not simple to implement. They represent a lifelong discipline that will challenge you, but will always bring you back to what matters most.

In Part One of this book, we will explore each of the four principles, starting with the first and most important: self-reflection. If you are willing to look within yourself through regular self-reflection and strive for greater self-awareness, you will make significant progress toward reaching your full potential. Without self-reflection, you'll find it difficult to know what matters most—and to stay focused on it. Your leadership will be less effective. Here's a simple way to think about the connection between self-reflection and leadership: If you are not self-reflective, how can you truly know yourself? If you do not know yourself, how can you lead yourself? And if you cannot lead yourself, how can you possibly lead others?

For example, today it is common for leaders to confuse activity with productivity. They often multitask without taking the time to reflect on why they are doing what they are doing. They run around busily from task to task, but they do not take the time to step back and see the big picture. They are not connected in any way with the overall purpose or plan for what they are doing. Self-reflection can help solve this problem. When people take the time to reflect on what is important to them and why, they begin to transform activity into productivity—and for all the right reasons.

Balance, the second principle of values-based leadership, is the ability to understand all sides of an issue. Leaders who pursue balance realize that their perspective is just that: theirs. By purposefully seeking input from others, especially those who have opposing opinions, you gain a global perspective that enables you to make choices that align with your priorities. When you take the time to reflect and to look at issues and situations holistically, the world becomes much simpler and the plan of action more obvious.

With true self-confidence, the third principle of values-based leadership, leaders recognize what they know and what they don't know. When you develop true self-confidence, you don't need to put on a façade that suggests to the world that you have mastered everything. Nor do you wilt at the first signs of a challenge, believing that you are not good enough or strong enough to face it. True self-confidence helps you appreciate your strengths, talents, and accomplishments, while also acknowledging the areas in which you need development. Truly self-confident leaders have a deep awareness of what they bring to the table, and develop a team with complementary strengths, particularly in areas where they have weaknesses.

The fourth and final principle of values-based leadership, genuine humility, keeps leaders grounded. No matter how far you've risen, you should not forget where you started. Or, as I like to say, even if you're in the executive suite, you should always remember the cubicle you once occupied. Genuine humility helps you recognize that you are neither better nor worse than anyone else, that you ought to respect everyone equally and not treat anyone differently just because of a job title. When you embrace genuine humility, your leadership thrives: your team members are willing to work with you to accomplish the mission and will respect your decisions because they know you value their contributions, no matter their roles.

These four principles of values-based leadership are as important early in your career as they are later on. When you embrace these principles, you'll learn how to lead and influence people whether or not they report to you. Then, as you grow in your organization and career, it will be that much easier for you because you will have honed your leadership skills. People will do what you ask, not because you are the boss, but because you know how to influence and motivate them. No matter where you are on your career path, your leadership can always be improved. The strongest leaders work continuously on becoming even better. The principles can offer a path for improving your leadership to its optimal level.