Many leaders operate intuitively, relying exclusively on their personality, instincts, and experience. But as our belief determines our behavior, having a well-defined leadership philosophy can be a powerful tool. It clarifies our values, guides our decision-making, and inspires those around us.
In this post, I'll share my own leadership philosophy, outlining the twelve principles that shape my approach. But before diving in, consider this:
How to Craft Your Leadership Philosophy:
- Reflect on what matters most: What core values do you want to define your leadership style?
- Think about your experiences: What leadership examples have resonated with you, positively or negatively?
- Identify your strengths: What leadership skills do you bring to the table?
- Consider your goals: What kind of impact do you want to have as a leader?
By taking time for introspection and considering these questions, you can develop a leadership philosophy that is authentic and empowers you to guide others effectively.
Now, let's explore the twelve principles that guide my own leadership journey...
Inspirational
I believe leadership sees the best in others, even when others see nothing in themselves or when the best is yet to come. It involves unlocking hidden talents and untapped capabilities, awakening individuals to possibilities beyond themselves, beyond their current state of mind, only to compel them to embrace ambitious aspirations, breathing life into imaginative ideals until they become a reality. Inspirational leadership is an act of profound declaration of faith in others until they believe in themselves. It transcends surface-level assessments to embrace a passion for each individual’s inherent worth and capacity for excellence. By nurturing unwavering faith in who people can become and an ambitious vision of grand potential, inspirational leaders kindle the sparks of greatness within others.
Ethical
I believe leadership is rooted in the steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards. This dedication to ethics is not just an accessory to leadership; it is its breastplate. It ensures that every action a leader takes is guided by principles of honesty and honor, creating a moral compass that guides both newly formed beliefs and behaviors. Leaders who uphold moral excellence align their actions with their values. But ethics for the sake of ethics misses the mark of what’s right. It’s not right to march over people in the name of morality. It’s wrong to point fingers of accusations and fail to extend hands of unmerited favor. Even ethics has a dark side when used for coercive purposes, twisting ethical leadership into a disguised rendition of Machiavellianism. Ethical leadership acts out of love, producing peace over fear and harmony over discord.
Integrational
I believe leadership in a complex world surpasses the confines of individual institutions and disciplines to forge connections between disparate agents. At its core, integrational leadership champions the idea that the most pressing challenges require collaborative efforts that transcend boundaries, therefore dismantling silos to foster collaboration. It breaks down the barriers separating different domains, whether academic disciplines, organizations, industries, or cultural contexts. With this impetus, integrational leaders pave the way for a future marked by collaboration and less by competition. By favoring an integrational mindset over a competitive one, integrational leaders demonstrate that success is not solely contingent on outdoing others but on harmonizing everyone’s contributions.
Dialectical
I believe leadership involves actively endorsing diversity of thought, intellectual curiosity, and conflicting points of view. It means stepping away from the comfort of surrounding oneself with “Yes Men.” It takes promoting individuals who dare to question conventions, challenge assumptions, and usher in alternative ways of thinking. This dialectical approach to leadership, with its validation in history and science, stimulates increased innovation and progress. The interplay between intellectual freedom and friction, when artfully guided by a higher purpose, becomes the crucible where uncharted strategies and groundbreaking solutions are forged.
Situational
I believe leadership requires a dynamic approach that adapts and adopts styles (Directing, Coaching, Supporting, Delegating) to the specific context and circumstances at hand, addressing the unique levels of confidence, character, chemistry, and capabilities of others. Situational leadership embodies the understanding that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it’s a flexible and functional practice that adjusts itself based on the ever-changing dynamics of the leadership landscape.
Prudential
I believe leadership is a delicate dance between the love of wisdom and the wisdom of love. In this choreography, the pursuit of wisdom seeks insights into the complexities of the world, while the wisdom of love applies those insights in the pursuit of healing a broken world. The quest for the love of wisdom is driven by curiosity, a thirst for learning, and the recognition that leadership requires a fountain of understanding. The quest for the wisdom of love acknowledges that leadership isn’t about making rational choices based purely on facts; it’s about considering the human dimension of those choices. Leadership decisions impact real lives, real people.
Missional
I believe the highest purpose of leadership is people, with the primary goal being to extend and elevate human flourishing. Amidst all worthy pursuits, none surpasses the essential duty of fostering the well-being and growth of individuals and their communities. Embracing a missional stance implies viewing leadership as a means to a greater end. The aim is not just to achieve personal success or organizational goals but to contribute to the betterment of the human experience. This teleological perspective instills leadership with a purpose that surpasses immediate gains and extends into a lasting corporate legacy.
Transformational
I believe leadership transcends a transactional approach, which relies on a mechanical exchange of goods or services to fulfill mutual interests through the promise of rewards or the threat of punishments. Instead, leadership is inherently transformational—it inspires and empowers others to pursue goals beyond their self-interests and contribute to the greater good of the larger community. Transformational leadership embodies a shift from a short-term, transactional mindset to a long-term, holistic endeavor.
Inclusive
I believe leadership is the inclusive empowerment of all individuals, ensuring that no voice is left unheard and every individual is valued and nurtured to become a leader. It centers on the principle that leadership extends beyond hierarchical authority and instead focuses on creating an environment where everyone is a leader with unique gifts that are acknowledged, put to their best use, and celebrated. This redistribution of leadership challenges the pride of elitism, shifting the focus from a privileged minority to an expansive and expensive investment in everyone’s wellspring of talent.
Relational
I believe leadership has nothing to do with how many followers you have and everything to do with how many leaders you lead. Leaders who merely command followers find Narcissus in their mirror, essentially making themselves the center of their universe. Their mantra: “I dictate the what, the how, and the when.” Conversely, leaders who lead leaders make their universe about others. With a relational approach, they make the interests of others their own, forging a bond so strong that they orchestrate the transformation of followers into leaders. Their motto: “How can I empower my followers to outshine me?” Operating in a realm of support and sacrifice, they derive their significance from magnifying the significance of others. Their leadership isn’t about personal glory but rather a symphony of elevation, ensuring that every chord struck by those they lead resonates louder and more beautifully than their own.
Procreational
I believe in multiplying leaders who, in turn, lead others, creating a ripple effect of transformative influence. At its core, procreational leadership recognizes that the true mark of leadership lies not in individual accomplishments but in the ability to nurture and empower others to step into leadership roles. This philosophy emphasizes passing down knowledge, skills, and values from one generation of leaders to the next, creating a lineage of mentored individuals who carry the torch of excellence.
Visionary
I believe leadership requires extraordinary determination and perseverance, climbing mountains not for the world to see the leader but for the leader to see the world. The act of ascending these metaphorical peaks allows leaders to witness both the harsh realities of the human condition and the breathtaking beauty of the world. From this elevated vantage point, a leader gains a richer view of the world’s complexities, challenges, injustices, and opportunities. This panoramic view enables leaders to craft strategies, make decisions, and initiate contextualized actions to leverage preeminent opportunities and address the world's most pressing needs.
Global
I believe in leadership interdependence, in the interconnectedness and co-dependency of the human race for progress and prosperity. The essence of global leadership is less about exerting influence on a worldwide scale and more about harnessing collaborative solutions that outstrip the confines of geopolitical divisions. Global leadership is not synonymous with establishing dominance or asserting supremacy with unilateral control. Instead, it manifests as a symphony of cooperation, shared resources, and collective action, driving progress that knows no boundaries.