Becoming a Character Based Leader
Team Dynamics
June 15, 2011
Chery Gegelman
President, Giana Consulting LLC
Topics
Accountability, Balance, Character-based Leadership, Commitment, Compassion, engage, ethics, integrity, lead change, LeadershipCharacter Based Leadership is the conscious choice to be an Ambassador - To place the greater good, the purpose of the organization and the needs of others above your own desires.
It starts with a decision to lead with integrity, the understanding that everything you do is observed and evaluated by others as either authentic or as disingenuous, and the commitment to audit yourself:
- How do you greet people when you see them?
- How do you treat people when you are under pressure?
- Do you follow through on your commitments?
- What do you say about others when they are not around?
- Are your actions and directions to others ethical?
It means walking around and engaging with others, asking questions and seeking first to understand:
- Are there specific concerns? And have they been addressed?
- Is the direction clear?
- Are the necessary tools available?
- Is consistent support provided?
It means having the courage to consistently speak truth instead of giving into fear and politics:
- What are the specific items that are creating barriers to success or increasing risk?
- Is there anyone else that needs to be involved?
- What are you doing to make sure the obstacles are being removed?
And it requires balancing both compassion and accountability for your own actions and when you address the actions of others:
- What have you learned about root causes for this issue?
- What have you done or not done to contribute to this issue?
- How can you take ownership of this issue?
- Are historical patterns being repeated with the expectation of different results?
- Are there signs of improvement or are you managing decline?
- Is it time to change strategies?
“A Level 5 leader is an individual who blends extreme personal humility with intense professional will.”
Jim Collins, Author of GOOD TO GREAT
RELATED BLOG POSTS:
Organizational Wholeness... Putting The Pieces Together
Together You Stand, Divided You Fall
RESOURCES:
Compassionate Accountability: Doug & Bev Sprague
Ambassador Analogy: Max Lucado’s Book - It’s Not About Me
Seeking First To Understand: Stephen Covey's Book - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Ownership Spirit: Dennis Deaton - Quma Learning
Great post Chery. Many leaders do this all naturally, that’s why they evolve as leaders. But some don’t realize that the time then invest to do the things you describe in this post or vital, valuable and well worth it. Great summary of important traits, thanks!
Billy,
Thank you for your comments! I agree. Some people are great leaders naturally, many of us have to work hard to become one. I am so very thankful for great examples!
Baron Hanson recently introduced me to your website. http://kidbillymusic.com/ I love the concept of what you do! Would love to attend a live event sometime.
Chery,
Well done. Succinct and right on target. I too believe that we talk too much about “Corporate Culture” and too little about Corporate Character.
Thanks for being an advocate,
Dennis
Dennis,
You are one of those great leaders I referenced in the comment above. Your message of Ownership Spirit encouraged tremendous growth in my life. Thank You! http://www.ownershipspirit.com/
Chery, This is an excellent phrase – ” everything you do is observed.” Some times, leaders take some action, and they think it is an un-noticed one. These are usually the actions that bring on challenges and issues. Keeping the idea that everything you do is observed may help leaders avoid trouble and stay on the right track. Thanks for the post! Jon
Jon,
Thank you for your time and your thoughts! That one is a big one for me too.
It’s a tough one to manage because you have to care enough to hold yourself accountable when you blow it, and at the same time, you have to give yourself enough grace to take the lesson but not the shame.
GREAT post, Chery!! You’ve done a wonderful job of describing a character-based leader, as well as providing valuable questions to help develop!! Excellent!! BRAVO!! And WOO HOO!
Erin,
Thank you so much for your comment. As you know, I had the same reaction to your video last week, every part of me was cheering, hoping that because it is more visual it would help people understand what is really possible, not a FairyTale, but really possible.
I am attaching the link to your video, believing that they are both pieces of a larger puzzle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxf_16pC-Z4
Great reminders on the ‘mentality’ of leadership. Effective leadership requires approaching others with an awareness of things many others don’t think about. You’ve said it in a way that warrants extended reflection. Thanks for the post.
Steve,
Thank you for your feedback. I so glad if any part of it can be useful. Everything I’ve ever learned about leadership is because of others. I would enjoy visiting with you about your reflections.
[…] It starts with a decision to lead with integrity, the understanding that everything you do is observed and evaluated by others as either authentic or as disingenuous, and the commitment to audit yourself. […]
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