What: Purpose & Values
"Purpose is so fundamentally tied up with leadership that it is almost invariably subsumed or taken for granted by leadership scholars" writes Jackson & Parry (pg 113). Ironically, only a few sentences earlier did the same authors refer to how often Hitler is brought up at leadership conferences. "What parts of Hitler's leadership will become part of your leadership?" they ask (pg 112). Would we emulate his "brutal bullying and extinction of those who disagree?" Would we lie? Exploit others? The list goes on and on...
While Hitler did convince a large number of people to follow him, his historical judgement certainly doesn't rest on his employed leadership theory. No, history sees no redeeming leadership qualities in Hitler because of his purpose. A purpose that, like anyone else's purpose in life, was girded by values. Unfortunately, Hitler's values lacked all virtue.
While Hitler did convince a large number of people to follow him, his historical judgement certainly doesn't rest on his employed leadership theory. No, history sees no redeeming leadership qualities in Hitler because of his purpose. A purpose that, like anyone else's purpose in life, was girded by values. Unfortunately, Hitler's values lacked all virtue.
So What: Theories & Values
There are leadership theories, however, that help us address this thought of values and purpose. Ethical leadership, authentic leadership (jump to a Harvard Business Review article), and spiritual leadership while varying in some degree, all seek to bind the leader and his/her integrity.
Hickman says "values suffuse the common elements of leadership" and he even refers to values as the very "heart of leadership" (pg 177). Just as leadership theories differ, leaders differ on the theories they commonly practice. There are many effective transformational leaders, path-goal leaders and transactional leaders. And while our leaders are critiqued by their chosen theory, their leadership style is not the only way we asses our leaders. Most companies or individuals that have fallen from societies' graces haven't done so necessarily through their leadership style, they've fallen primarily as a result of their values. A few who come to mind are Tiger Woods, Bernie Madoff, Marion Jones and the leaders of Enron. While some may choose values that have no virtue, it is those leaders who have stood on good and virtuous values that stand the tallest.
Now What: Fridges & Values
In the first book of Dr. Tim Elmore's Habitudes series, he asks his readers to "think of some words that could be your core values" (pg 16). Dr. Elmore has put together an incredibly tangible and practical leadership development curriculum through this series and I personally lead many of Virginia Tech's varsity athletic teams through his works. I've found it a profound exercise to ask others to write down their core values. Sure, they've thought of their values before, but few have actually prioritized and penned them out. The Habitudes series is a great, practical guide for anyone looking to identify their values.
For all of you who hope to lead, knowing your values will be crucial to your success. Circumstances may call for different styles of leadership but our values should transcend our style. Have you prioritized your values and written them down? My wife and I posted our values on our fridge - I encourage you to do the same.
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| Marion Jones was stripped of her 5 Olympic medals for using performance-enhancing drugs. |
Hickman says "values suffuse the common elements of leadership" and he even refers to values as the very "heart of leadership" (pg 177). Just as leadership theories differ, leaders differ on the theories they commonly practice. There are many effective transformational leaders, path-goal leaders and transactional leaders. And while our leaders are critiqued by their chosen theory, their leadership style is not the only way we asses our leaders. Most companies or individuals that have fallen from societies' graces haven't done so necessarily through their leadership style, they've fallen primarily as a result of their values. A few who come to mind are Tiger Woods, Bernie Madoff, Marion Jones and the leaders of Enron. While some may choose values that have no virtue, it is those leaders who have stood on good and virtuous values that stand the tallest.
Now What: Fridges & Values
In the first book of Dr. Tim Elmore's Habitudes series, he asks his readers to "think of some words that could be your core values" (pg 16). Dr. Elmore has put together an incredibly tangible and practical leadership development curriculum through this series and I personally lead many of Virginia Tech's varsity athletic teams through his works. I've found it a profound exercise to ask others to write down their core values. Sure, they've thought of their values before, but few have actually prioritized and penned them out. The Habitudes series is a great, practical guide for anyone looking to identify their values.
For all of you who hope to lead, knowing your values will be crucial to your success. Circumstances may call for different styles of leadership but our values should transcend our style. Have you prioritized your values and written them down? My wife and I posted our values on our fridge - I encourage you to do the same.
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