By Chris Wahl

Pick up any book on leadership, and you will read that it is important that leaders focus on creating a compelling future vision, devising strategies to achieve the vision, and influencing others to be resourceful and take action to accomplish the future. The question is, what do you believe about leadership? And what do you stand for? In other words, what core beliefs inform your actions?

Getting clear on your beliefs about leadership and what you stand for is a key piece of reflective work. Unexamined beliefs may end up creating unintended outcomes. For instance, a leader who believes that s/he has all the answers may create a climate where colleagues and subordinates do not challenge, question, or stay motivated to learn. Or, a leader who believes that people are wise may create a climate where people feel empowered to act, to take educated risks, and where learning is valued. Or, a leader who believes in honoring commitments and keeping promises creates an environment of trust and accountability; and a leader who believes s/he must be involved in everything undermines the decisions and accountability of subordinates.

Reflection

In your journal, take some time to write down everything that you believe about leadership. What do you stand for as a leader? How do you convey what you stand for? How does what you stand for contribute to the climate of your organization? What shifts do you need to make, or new actions do you need to take, to better convey your beliefs?