Comments on: Three Promises of Character-Based Leadership

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:07:32 +0000

Kay, thanks for the great comment. You added at least two great ideas for future posts: you can’t teach character you don’t have, and the whole art of leading from behind. I also appreciate the encouragement about moral courage. “Right” seems to get harder and harder to define. Thanks for contributing those much needed additions.

By: Kay Augustine

Kay Augustine — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:56:37 +0000

I love this discussion! I’m working on my doctorate in Education Leadership and am enjoying the emerging emphasis on character in leadership as an important theme and topic. I’ve been conducting training on character development for communities, schools and non-profit organizations throughout the country for the last 13 years. The one thing most adults forget is that you can’t develop character in young people or your employees if you haven’t invested in reflecting on and developing your own first. Modeling that you are worthy of trust and respect; showing that you accept not only a personal responsibility but a collective responsibility to the whole, while being fair and exhibiting a strong penchant for authentic compassion is vital to establishing a thriving work (or school or home) environment.

I love the term “moral courage”–the absolute basic ingredient for living in today’s society–having the courage to do the right thing even when it isn’t easy or isn’t in our own best interest.

I also believe that a key to being a leader is knowing how to “lead from behind”–you never stop leading, but you reposition yourself to support, encourage and nurture the leadership of others and let go of the “out front” position. I personally experienced this empowerment from a dear mentor and have used the technique with both colleagues and youth. I believe it is important that we teach this as a leadership technique as it is the way we grow and develop future leaders and leave our personal, professional and organizational legacies.

Thanks for the forum for discussion!
Kay

By: Mike Henry Sr.

Mike Henry Sr. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:51:20 +0000

David, I understand. One thing I commonly fail to do is clarify the meaning of words. My intention was narrow. In fact, I posted Deliver on the Promises to clarify.

Thanks, Mike…

By: David Jackson

David Jackson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:07:00 +0000

“…produce the same results…”
That is only true if you define results very narrowly.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:57:19 +0000

Great question. I’d be interested to hear other people’s responses to that too. How about posting on the Facebook page or as a LinkedIn discussion?

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:54:45 +0000

Great addition Susan. Thanks. I knew there were more.

By: Susan Steinbrecher

Susan Steinbrecher — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:07:42 +0000

Great discussion; thanks for getting this rolling, Mike. I’d like to suggest another promise or defining quality of character-based leadership — commitment to personal growth. Those who are willing to do some soul searching and take responsibility for their actions, thereby showing humility, often gain tremendous respect and valuable self-knowledge from their associates. Once an understanding of “knowing thyself” is established, you can begin to master the art of leading yourself and therefore will model a way for your associates to do the same. Self reflection takes courage – and I believe courage is a foundational trait of what we call “character-based” leadership. These are the leaders who put heart into their practice rather than seeking outward recognition as a leader.

By: RaymondTaylor

RaymondTaylor — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:55:05 +0000

Leaders without character can achieve results. However, Mike’s 3rd promise of leadership, sustainable relationships, cannot be achieved without character. You only need to read the headlines to see leaders, with relatively short term success, tumble from the exposure of their lack of character.

By: Steve Petzer

Steve Petzer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:23:14 +0000

Question: When it comes to competency or specific skills and specifically in view of Lee’s comment.How important would it be for a leader to know when to lead and when not to lead?

By: Steve Petzer

Steve Petzer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:18:01 +0000

True, it’s almost the same as the function of a project manager. The project never defines his purpose or function or calling as a project manager or leader in this instance. So also will true leaders find themselves involved in ‘projects’ that may have nothing to do with their personal purpose. Their calling as a leader however and their own character traits is what will set them apart as a leader in all circumstances.

Leaders will find themselves in a position where they are purposed to salvage someone else’s bad ‘project’.