book.chapter Phase 1 – understanding self and personal values .

Values-based leadership is a dynamic journey rooted in self-reflection, balanced perspective, true self-confidence, and genuine humility, with these interwoven tenets reinforcing and evolving with each other continuously. 1 Personal Introspection Self-reflection is a key component of effective leadership, as it fosters a deeper understanding of one's strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. This self-awareness is crucial for recognizing personal values and priorities, which enhances communication and connection with others, leading to more authentic leadership. Reflective practices can turn routine activities into productive outcomes by promoting awareness of the impact of one's decisions, thereby encouraging more deliberate and effective choices. Leadership is not solely about emulating others but is rooted in a profound comprehension of oneself and one's core beliefs, which should inform one's leadership approach. The benefits of self-reflection for leaders are manifold, including acting as a reminder to stay present, enhancing decision-making abilities, and recognizing opportunities and challenges. It also aids in aligning one's actions with genuine priorities. Self-reflection doesn't require a specific setting; it can be practiced in any quiet moment to tune into one's inner voice and contemplate critical questions. Some leaders may even dedicate special times for in-depth reflection, like an annual silent retreat, to deepen their self-understanding and improve their leadership. 2 Equilibrium Balance is a vital leadership skill, enabling leaders to consider diverse perspectives and make comprehensive decisions. Harry Kraemer Jr. emphasizes that leaders must recognize multiple viewpoints and avoid fixating on their own as the sole "correct" one. Leaders who seek input from their teams and acknowledge they don't have all the answers often make stronger decisions. In both professional and personal realms, striving for balance offers a more holistic outlook on life. Leaders should heed insights from front-line team members, as ignoring their perspectives can lead to future problems. Listening to team members fosters exceptional teams, and leadership involves identifying the best solutions offered by the team, not just generating them. Kraemer Jr. highlights the importance of balancing short-term objectives with long-term goals, as both are essential. Personal balance is equally crucial, encompassing professional and personal life, health, and well-being. Overemphasis on work without personal rejuvenation can diminish a leader's effectiveness. To assess personal balance, Kraemer Jr. suggests allocating time across six categories: career, family, spirituality/reflection, health/sleep, fun/recreation/reading, and social responsibility. By comparing actual time spent to personal goals in these areas, leaders can plan and prioritize to achieve the desired balance. 3 Self-assuredness True self-confidence is not just about being skilled; it's about self-acceptance and the continuous pursuit of personal growth. It involves recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and being comfortable with both. Genuine self-confidence allows you to be at ease with yourself, fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging team input. It's about being open to challenges and facilitating informed decision-making through transparency about your abilities and limitations. Authentic self-confidence also means standing up for what is right, even if it involves challenging superiors. It requires self-reflection to ensure your actions are driven by the right motives and a balanced perspective that considers various viewpoints. In contrast, false confidence is characterized by bravado and denial of errors. True self-confidence is cooperative, values others' contributions, and is built through regular self-reflection and proactive efforts to address weaknesses. It creates a virtuous cycle, enhancing your confidence and equipping you to handle future challenges, recognizing that the journey to reach your full potential is ongoing. 4 Modesty Effective leadership is deeply rooted in humility, a quality that becomes increasingly important as one progresses in their career. Humility is about remembering where you started, valuing the contributions of others, and staying true to oneself. Leaders who embody humility not only enhance their own attributes but also cultivate a motivated team. It's crucial for leaders to remain grounded and approachable, inspiring their team to reach new heights, even when they receive accolades. However, humility must be genuine and not overplayed to the point of insincerity, just as self-promotion should not tip into excessive boasting. A balanced approach involves giving credit to the team, staying in touch with junior colleagues, recognizing that one's job isn't their entire identity, reflecting on past achievements, and appreciating every member of the organization. True humility rejects any sense of superiority and acknowledges the collective effort. Embracing values-based leadership is key to influencing others throughout one's career. These principles are what people respond to in leaders who inspire and motivate beyond their titles. Values-based leadership requires ongoing dedication and can be difficult to maintain with distractions. When challenges arise, revisiting core values can help leaders stay aligned with their personal and professional identity. Leadership is about actions and interactions, not just titles, and it shapes the culture of an organization and mirrors our values. Mindfulness of these values is essential for effective engagement with customers, colleagues, and partners.