A511.7.3.RB - Self-Awareness
Crisp and Turner (2010) described self-awareness as a psychological state in which people are aware of their traits, feelings and behavior. Alternately, it can be defined as the realization of oneself as an individual entity. Being self-aware is important for leaders because one must understand how their actions affect others. What are core values of leadership, how do core values affect leadership skills, and what helps one to stand out as a leader?
In order to be an effective leader and stand out, one must practice and uphold their core values. Core values are described by Heathfield (2015) as traits or qualities that are not just considered worthwhile, but they represent an individual’s or organization’s highest priorities, deeply held beliefs, and core, fundamental driving force. Scholz (2010) describes core values as integrity, authenticity, humility, compassion, and perseverance. Leaders should uphold core values in order to be effective and receive the desired response from their followers. Integrity is described by Yukl (2013) as an individual’s behavior that is consistent with their values, honesty, ethics, and trust. Leader’s will lose their credibility if they are deceptive to their followers; the individual and companies core values will be jeopardized if the followers believe they have been lied to.
Dean (2011) stated that when an individual finds an honest and meaningful relationship between their personal values and their companies values, a powerful connection is made; the connection creates endless possibilities for the employer and the individual. In order for leaders to connect with their subordinates and promote the core values of the company as well as their own, leadership should provide a clear vision described by Yukl (2013, p.340) as what can be accomplished and gives meaning to serve as a source of self-esteem, and brings forth a common purpose to the organization and employees. Lencioni (2002) emphasizes that core values should never be compromised because the values often represent the company founders. Enron, compromised their values, morals, and ethics, as a result, the company crumbled and the leadership let their employees take the fall for their actions (Yukl, 2013, p.368-370).
In order for leadership to stand out and be different, they should stand by their values as well as the companies. Yukl (2013) described practices leaders should have to influence followers using ethical standards, indicate clear standards of ethical conduct, model the ethical behavior, and help followers find their fair and ethical means to solve problems. Reynolds (2006a) stated that it is much easier for managers to oppose unethical practices when there is a strong and explicit support for such opposition and the standards for unacceptable behavior are clear rather than ambiguous.
In conclusion, core values represent an individual and company standards which is their driving force, core values influence leadership and dedication to the company, and to stand out as an influential leader one should uphold the values of a company because it models their founders beliefs. According to (De Bono) effectiveness without values is a tool without a purpose.
References
Crisp, R. J. & Turner, R. N. (2010). Essential social psychology. London: Sage Publications.
Dean, K. (2011). http://www.valuesbasedleadershipjournal.com/issues/vol1issue1/dean.php. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from The Journal of Values Based Leadership website:
http://www.valuesbasedleadershipjournal.com/issues/vol1issue1/dean.php
Heathfield, S. (2015). Core Values Are What You Believe In. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from About Money website: http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryc/g/Core-Values.htm
Lencioni, P. (2002, July). Make Your Values Mean Something. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from Harvard Business Review website: https://hbr.org/2002/07/make-your-values-mean-something
Scholz, C. (2010, October 14). Purpose, Strengths, Values: Defining Your Leadership Core. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from Scholz Leadership Development website: http://www.chipscholz.com/2010/10/14/purpose-strengths-values-defining-your-leadership-core/
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (Eighth ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
