Leaders create their organisational drum beat

Leaders are primarily responsible for creating the culture which they inhabit – The organisational drum beat.

While any organisation will have developed habits based on historical behaviour, it is the words and actions of the current leaders which is primarily responsible for promoting what is acceptable and non-acceptable behaviour.

Where leadership behaviour is concurrent with espoused principles and values and strategic decision making is guided by those same principles and values, trust and respect will grow and enhance business performance.

The author collaborates with Dr Laurence Lyons, editor of Coaching for Leadership, “The single best collection of first rate articles on executive coaching – Warren Bennnis.” Together they research Principled Leadership, a philosophy which explores how the leader creates their organisational drum beat. Principled Leadership is based on the following concepts:

Truth – Principled leaders are authentic and true to themselves, recognising personal purpose, ethics and appropriateness of response. Their reputation for authentic behaviour is earned, respected and valued.

Politics – Principled leaders enable others to lead. They recognise that this is the style of choice for the advanced organisation paradigm, given that power relationships have altered, career paths are mobile and personal branding is essential.

Dialogue – Principled leaders create dialogue, founded on mutual respect and shared expectation of behaviour and outcome. They recognise the importance of both the journey and the destination.

Collective Success – Principled leaders enable collective success by inspiring and being inspired. They engage with others, sharing ideas and building common purpose. Their decisions and actions are informed by their principles.

Audit Questions:

– What are your organisation’s principles and values?

– How is your community encouraged to live those espoused principles and values?

– Are those espoused principles and values promulgated?

– How does your strategic decision making link with those espoused principles and values?

– How is dialogue created and sustained?

– How is the baton of leadership shared beyond those at the apex of the organisation?

– What value is placed on being authentic?

– What inspires your community?

– What role do you play in inspiring those around you?

So, are you a principled leader?