How to develop and practice values-based leadership
Image: Some foods rich in micromineral copper
Developing #leadership dimensions requires refresher learning activities just like the human body needs regular portions of food rich in essential nutrients
Today’s fresh learning activity
IMAGINE YOURSELF IN THIS SCENARIO
There is an individual with high potential in your team, and you have decided to create space and opportunities for him to develop further. You realize that you can achieve this by applying the concepts and principles of servant leadership, a leadership approach based on values. What will you focus on in your interactions with him?
Support to achieve goals OR Openness to his ideas
Feedback if you chose: “Support to achieve goals”
Support may be needed at times, but people do not develop when they become dependent on support from someone else every time they face obstacles or problems at work
Feedback if you chose: “Openness to his ideas”
This is an appropriate response! Servant leaders exhibit traits such as empathy, focus on others, humility, openness to suggestions, and a collaborative mindset. They strive to create conditions conducive to employee development.
Why values-based leadership?
Just like the human body needs the micromineral copper, every work unit needs leadership based on essential values.
Copper, an essential micromineral plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the nervous and immune systems, forming blood vessels, and protecting against free radical damage. Free radical damage occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals cause oxidative stress by stealing electrons from other cells, leading to damage to vital cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids. This cellular harm can disrupt normal bodily functions, contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions, and accelerate the aging process. In the same way can values-based leadership protect the work unit against all sorts of destructive behaviours.
“In the work ethos of a manager and in organizations, leadership, values, and authority are the three key and interrelated elements. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in shaping organizational culture and influences management effectiveness. Leadership plays a fundamental role in shaping the work ethos of a manager and the organization. Leadership involves directing and motivating a team to achieve organizational goals. Managers act as leaders and set an example for other employees. Their ability to lead effectively influences the work climate, employee engagement, and goal achievement. On the other hand, values constitute an organization’s moral and ethical foundation. These are beliefs and principles that shape managers' and employees’ behavior. Organizational values should align with the company’s mission and purpose. Organizational values influence managerial decisions, work approaches, business ethics, and employee treatment. Meanwhile, a manager’s authority stems from their ability to manage, lead, and align with values. Authority is based on trust and respect that a manager earns within the team. Managers with authority are more effective in influencing others and achieving organizational goals.”
Quoted from Agnieszka Postuła who published research results in the Central European Management Journal
How to develop and practice values-based leadership
EVERY LEADER SHOULD DO THIS
Just like the human body needs a regular portion of essential nutrients like micromineral copper to stay healthy, every leader needs a regular reminder and fresh exercise in developing essential leadership dimensions like values-based leadership.
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year nominee Ethan Hooker ascribes his success to “Just always have something on your mind that you want to work on and better yourself. Get addicted to almost bettering yourself every day”
You must continuously be reminded of all the leadership functions and keep on learning how to make the essential dimensions part of your being in a leadership role
- Remind yourself of all the leadership functions that you must apply every day. Click here to receive leadership quiz's like this in your inbox as we publish new posts in all the essential leadership dimensions.
- Make each leadership dimension part of your DNA. Get access to the course AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP 26 where you can do the module on “Values-based leadership” to develop a full understanding and learn how to apply it in your everyday life, making this essential dimension part of your being as a leader.
Derived from recent scientific research, this interactive course translates complex leadership concepts and principles into understandable and useful strategies for everyone to use in the workplace and in their personal lives, making learners more effective in leading teams, enhancing personal wellness and refining interpersonal skills. Learners develop a comprehensive understanding of essential leadership dimensions, they learn how to apply it in simulations as well as the real work environment, coupled with coaching feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Written by Principal Coach at the Academy for Practical Leadership Development