In what ways does having more clarity about your values help you become a better leader?
Having clarity about your values helps you become a better leader because you must know your true self and what is important to you to be able to lead others and set an example (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). It allows you to discover who you are, which is essential because leading others begins with leading yourself (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Your values guide the decisions you make and how you interact with others (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).
What is the difference between being deeply committed to a value and imposing your will on others? Why does a leader need to know the difference?
A leader needs to know the difference between being committed to a value and imposing your will on others. Being a leader is not just about the leader’s values, but the values of others as well (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). A leader and their constituents may not have all the same values, but what is essential is to communicate which values they have in common to conclude the expectation for the organization (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Having those conversations about shared values allows people to find significance in their work (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). You are only going to achieve your goals when everyone agrees and commits to the shared values (Dye, 2017).
What does “find your voice” mean in terms of leadership? Give examples.
Finding your voice means discovering what is important to you and what makes you who you are (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). You must determine your values and what you are passionate about to strengthen your leadership skills (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Having confidence in who you are leads you to be an effective leader (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). You find your voice by allowing your values to direct you and sharing your values with others (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).
What value do you think is most important for a leader to have?
Credibility is an important value for a leader to have because credibility is the foundation of leadership (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). People are only going to follow a leader if they are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). When your actions are consistent with your words, people are going to be more committed to an organization and feel a strong sense of belonging (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).
