Developing a Philosophy of Leadership

A leadership philosophy is the way we see ourselves as leaders. This philosophy guides our actions,
our behaviors, and our thoughts. Our philosophies are also influenced by external and internal
forces. We can change who we are as leaders by simply changing our philosophy of leadership.
Leadership philosophies can change as you grow to understand yourself within the context of
leading.

Creating or finding your leadership philosophy means that you must explore and reflect upon your
personal values, assumptions, and beliefs about leadership.

Personal values are qualities or characteristics that you value. You would rather leave an
organization or step down as a leader than violate your values. Your values guide your intentions
and they influence how you lead. When your personal values are clear and you are conscious of
them, you create a solid foundation for leading.

Assumptions are ideas that are assumed or believed to be true. As a leader it is important to
understand what assumptions fuel your leadership thinking. Often leaders are not aware of the
assumptions because they are operating from certain paradigms that will not allow them to see
assumptions. Reflection into one’s leadership is an excellent way to uncover assumptions.

Beliefs are ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities. If a leader believes that the only
individuals in an organization that can make decisions is the management staff, then that belief will
influence how the leader treats others. Beliefs can also be unconscious; they are for us a habitual
way of thinking and acting that it doesn’t cross our minds that our beliefs may be prohibiting us.

The following is an exercise to help you create, find, or define your personal philosophy of
leadership.

Exercise 1: Identifying Your Leadership Values

From the list below, pick five core values that you feel describe and guide who you are as a leader.
You may choose other values that are not on this list. Place them in the following chart and answer
the questions in the matrix.

Achievement Balance Creativity Integrity

Activity Challenge Diverse perspectives Justice
Advancement Change Duty Love
Adventure Collaboration Economic security Loyalty
Affiliation Community Friendship Personal Development
Affluence Competency Health Recognition
Authority Competition Humor Self-respect
Autonomy Courage Harmony Wisdom

Other values that you would like to include but are not on the list?
 Identifying Your Leadership Values

VALUES Personal Definition of Values How do you envision these values

List your values here List here your definition of these values playing out in your leadership?
here

For me, love is the tender Love in my leadership

1. Love embrace of whispered translates into a
secrets and shared dreams; collaborative and
it's the silent pledge of empathetic culture that
steadfast support through creates a space where every
the highs and lows of life. team member feels heard,
The laughter that flows respected, and supported. It
between us creates a haven is the driving force behind
where growth, acceptance, creativity, resiliency in the
and the beauty of our flaws face of adversity, and a
coexist in an enduring tune shared dedication to
of happiness and individual and group
contentment. development, fostering an
environment where
everyone prospers.
Friendship is the reassuring In my leadership, friendship
2. Friendship laugh that reverberates entails creating a cohesive
during intimate moments, team environment where
the steadfast support that cooperation is fueled by
endures through life's camaraderie. In order to
turbulence, and the ensure that we not only
understanding that requires collaborate well but also
no explanation. It's a bond encourage each other's
that brightens every professional and personal
journey, a treasure trove of development, it is important
shared stories, and a haven to establish an inclusive
of trust. It's the exquisite workplace where genuine
craft of embracing and care and trust enable each
appreciating one another's member to contribute their
peculiarities, painting a special talents.
picture of moments spent
together with sincere
concern and a bond that will
 last forever.
For me, being loyal means Loyalty in my leadership
3. Loyalty having an unwavering translates into a supportive
commitment laced with and trusting environment
trust and standing by the where team members can
people I care about no count on one another. It's
matter what happens in life. about creating an
It's the foundation of lasting atmosphere where
relationships, a tie that is dedication to our common
resistant to the passage of objectives becomes the
time and change. Actions motivating factor, making
speak louder than words in sure that we overcome
this silent covenant of obstacles as a cohesive,
unwavering support, devoted team and celebrate
establishing a haven of victories together.
dependability and mutual
understanding.
To me, self-respect is the Self-respect serves as the
4. Self - Respect steadfast foundation of compass that guides
realising my own value and decisions in my leadership,
my dedication to upholding cultivating an authentic
my boundaries and morals. I work environment. It entails
make decisions based on establishing limits that put
this quiet strength, which my own and my team's
makes sure I live a genuine wellbeing first and fostering
life and have a strong sense an environment where
of self-worth. Since I respect for one another and
understand that by treating individual development
myself with respect, I set the coexist.
bar for how other people
should treat me, it serves as
the cornerstone for building
wholesome relationships.
To me, balance is the In terms of leadership,
5. Balance delicate art of finding balance is creating an
harmony in the pace set by environment where
life's demands while commitment and wellbeing
balancing passion and calm. coexist. It entails promoting
It's about making sure my a steady pace and
journey is a symphony of appreciating the significance
accomplishments and of both career advancement
 peaceful moments— and personal renewal. This
honoring both ambition and balance produces a strong
self-care. I can overcome and contented group that
obstacles with grace and approaches obstacles with
appreciate the beauty at enthusiasm and keeps their
every turn when I maintain goals in mind.
this balance.

Exercise 2: Uncovering Your Leadership Assumptions

Answer the following questions about leadership. By reflecting on these questions, you will find
what assumptions are driving your leadership thinking.

1. Write down two stories of leadership. One story should describe a positive experience
you’ve had with leadership and the second story should describe a time when you had a
negative experience with leadership.

Positive- I once worked for a fantastic team leader who fostered a culture of candid
communication and cooperation. This leader, who was aware of each person's unique strengths,
encouraged us to share our ideas and gave us regular feedback. They set an exemplary example
during difficult projects by being resilient and providing assistance when required. This great
leadership experience inspired motivation, trust, and a sense of shared commitment to reaching
our objectives.
Negative- I also came across a leader who was not open and communicative in another situation.
The lack of justification for decisions made caused the team to feel disengaged and uninspired.
Furthermore, there was a glaring lack of assistance during trying times, which exacerbated stress
and uncertainty. The aforementioned unfavorable leadership encounter underscored the
significance of unambiguous communication, openness, and a nurturing leadership approach in
preserving a salubrious and efficient workplace.

2. In the space below, write down your definition of leadership.

The art of inspiring and directing people or a group towards a shared vision or objective is what I
consider to be leadership. A true leader sets an example of integrity, resiliency, and sincere
devotion to the growth and well-being of the team. They also empower others and cultivate a
positive and inclusive environment. To drive collective success, effective leadership ultimately
requires adaptability, adaptability, and the ability to cultivate a shared sense of purpose.

3. Using your definition of leadership, please elaborate how you first came to understand (or
know) your leadership definition.
 Through a complex process that includes observations from the workplace, educational materials,
role models, and personal experiences, my understanding of leadership has developed. I've
participated in team activities where I've seen various leadership philosophies and how they affect
group dynamics. Teachers, family members, and community leaders have all been inspirational
figures in my life, acting as role models for the attributes of effective leadership. My perspective has
been further shaped by exposure to leadership literature and courses, as well as by direct
interaction with leaders in a variety of settings. Positive and negative experiences I've had at work
have helped me better understand how different leadership philosophies affect different results.
My definition of leadership has evolved to include combination of learning from both successes and
failures and introspection about personal values. Creating an environment that is welcoming and
inclusive, encouraging a sense of purpose among all members of the group, and providing an
example of honesty, fortitude, and genuine commitment to group development.

4. Describe who are the individuals or organizations that influence your leadership definition.

My father played a key role in forming my conception of leadership as a child. He set a strong
example with his unwavering integrity, fortitude in the face of adversity, and sincere devotion to
our family's welfare. My understanding of effective leadership has been further enhanced by my
experiences in the restaurant and retail industries, in addition to the influence of my family. I saw a
range of leadership philosophies in these workplaces, from managers who encouraged inclusivity
and empowered their staff to those who fell short in these areas. My definition of leadership has
been cemented through the integration of personal experiences, professional observations, and
role models. It involves setting an example through honesty and fortitude, creating a welcoming
and inclusive atmosphere, and encouraging a common goal for the success of the group. Together,
these factors highlight how crucial it is to be flexible and to genuinely care about the development
and welfare of the team; these are aspects that continue to be essential to my conception of good
leadership.

Exercise 3: Understanding Your Leadership Beliefs

Answer the following questions about leadership beliefs. By reflecting on these questions, you will
find what beliefs you hold about leadership. For the questions below, write down one statement for
each question that best illustrates your belief about that question. For example, if you answered #6
with: The purpose of leadership is to provide vision, guidance, and bring people together for a
common good. It unites people and gets them to join together for a goal, then your belief statement
may be: I believe that leadership provides a vision to create a common good. Write a statement for
each question. These statements will be used in combination with the other activities to create a
philosophy of leadership for you.

1. Can people who have caused others harm be leaders, e.g. Adolph Hitler?

It's important to recognize that being a leader is not the same as having the traits that make
someone an effective and moral leader, even though people who have harmed others can
theoretically claim to be leaders. Principles of integrity, constructive influence, and a sincere
concern for the welfare of others should be embodied by leaders. Even though they were in
positions of power, people like Adolph Hitler—who did a great deal of harm—lacked the moral
grounding that genuine leadership demands. Therefore, I think that meaningful leadership requires
a basis in moral and ethical principles.

2. Should leaders have certain qualities to be able to lead?

Yes, in order to be effective, leaders need to have a certain set of traits. Integrity, vision, empathy,
effective communication, flexibility, and the capacity to uplift and motivate others are all crucial
components of a successful leader. These characteristics help leaders become more influential and
well-respected in their positions by encouraging cooperation, creating trust, and attaining common
objectives.

3. Who decides who leads?

People who are driven to assume responsibility, mentor others, and effect positive change choose
to be leaders. While some people may become official leaders through appointments, others may
become leaders by initiative and unofficial influence. In the end, the choice to take on leadership
responsibilities is a personal one that is shaped by a variety of factors, including personal drive,
aptitude, and the awareness of chances to have a significant impact.
4. How do leaders gain credibility?

Credibility is earned by leaders by acting consistently, communicating clearly, and exhibiting

important traits. Maintaining honesty and openness builds confidence, and skill and well-informed
decision-making demonstrate the leader's ability. Credibility is gradually built through consistent
performance of promises and commitments, which is a sign of reliability. A sense of connection and
understanding is fostered by open communication and empathy for the viewpoints of others, which
strengthens the leader's credibility. To put it simply, credibility is a continuous process that is
influenced by a leader's moral behaviour, skill, and capacity to inspire and engage their team.
5. In general, is there something good about leadership?

6. What do you think is the purpose for leadership?

I believe that the role of a leader is to direct, motivate, and assist constructive change. Good leaders
set the direction, envision the future, and assist individuals or groups in achieving common
objectives. They encourage teamwork, develop a positive workplace culture, and enable people to
realize their greatest potential. Creative thinking, expansion, and the formation of a cohesive and
driven group are all accelerated by leadership. The ultimate goal of leadership is to make a good
difference, promote advancement, and enhance the general success and well-being of team
members and the organization.

7. Is leadership behavior developed through personal experiences or through external forces?

The development of leadership behaviour frequently results from a blend of internal and external
factors. An individual's leadership style and behaviour can be influenced by their personal
experiences, including obstacles faced, achievements achieved, and relationships with others. The
development of traits like adaptability, empathy, and resilience is aided by these experiences.

External factors also have a big impact, like exposure to different viewpoints, mentoring
programmers, organizational cultures, and educational opportunities. The development of
leadership behaviour is influenced by organizational values, mentorship, and formal training.
Furthermore, how people develop their leadership abilities can be influenced by exposure to
diverse leadership models, feedback from superiors and peers, and other factors.

Exercise 4: Finalizing Your Leadership Philosophy

Now that you’ve identified your leadership values, uncovered your leadership assumptions, and
understand what beliefs guide your leadership thinking, you are now ready to write statements
reflecting your leadership philosophy using the responses above. Statements about your leadership
should be written in the present moment not in the future tense. Creating “present moment”
statements helps you to internalize and visualize your philosophy, as it is happening now, not in the
future or the past.

Your leadership philosophy should be a statement that consists of your responses from the above
exercise. It doesn’t have to include everything, but it should encompass the general idea of what
you’ve written. It doesn’t have to be formatted in a certain way – just whatever makes sense to you.
You can write one-sentence statements or you can write a story explaining your philosophy and be
sure to add pictures or artwork to your philosophy.

The following is a sample philosophy statement consisting of one-sentence statements.

Remember, you can write your philosophy in any way that makes sense to you.

My Leadership Philosophy is…

I believe that leadership is a journey that consists of followers and leaders.

I balance my work and personal success.
I always help people to find the best in themselves.
I spend time reflecting on my leadership and its implications on others.
I value integrity in personal and professional development.
I respect leadership from different perspectives and ways of knowing. I
listen with respect and gratitude to others.

My Leadership Philosophy is...

I think that love is the foundation of leadership because it creates strong bonds, empathy,
and support among team members.

In my leadership style, I place a high value on friendship. I foster an inclusive, cooperative

atmosphere where respect for one another and a common goal are fostered.

My leadership philosophy is based on loyalty, which emphasizes trust, dependability, and a

strong commitment to the team's success.

Effective leadership requires self-respect in order to guide decisions and actions with
authenticity and a profound understanding of each person's worth.

I value balance because I know it's crucial to creating a productive workplace where people
can grow both personally and professionally.