Yesterday I felt a strong urge to clearly articulate what Character-Based Leadership means to me.

As I wrote it I thought of:

• Leaders that create beautiful symphonies by unleashing the differences and strengths of others.
• Leader that inspire us all to lead at a higher level.
• Leadership decisions that make my blood boil.
• People I am currently serving and people I’ve served.
• Times I’ve led well, and times I’ve failed.
• All that I am and all that I hope to be…

[Tweet “What’s your leadership manifesto? “]

This is mine:

It’s NOT about me.

• I am here to help us accomplish our mission and to serve.

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My heart’s desire is to model our core values & to be consistent, fair & explainable.

Everyone I serve is important and considered before I make a decision:

• Your race doesn’t matter.
• Your religion doesn’t matter.
• Your gender doesn’t matter.
• Your title doesn’t matter.
• Your education level doesn’t matter.
• How much money you do or do not have in the bank doesn’t matter.
• Who you hang out with doesn’t matter.

No-one has more value.   No-one has less value.  …And no-one gets special favors.

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I will speak only truth.

• And I expect the same from you.

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I will NEVER be perfect.

I am human and I do have feet of clay.

• That is a reality but NOT an excuse.

As a result:

• If you see me make a decision that you don’t understand – please ask me about it.
• If my character falters – I expect you to hold me accountable.
• I will own my mistakes and work to correct them.

I recognize your humanity as well.

• So if you do something that violates our core values – I will hold you accountable and treat you with respect and compassion.

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Before I make decisions I ask myself:

1. Will this help us fulfill our mission?
2. Is this in line with our core values?
3. Does this support the people I serve?

If not, we don’t do it.

If something is best for the majority and an inconvenience for me – I will still do what is best for the majority.

When there are policies in place that don’t support those three things:

• If I have the power to change them I will.
• If I don’t have the power to change them but can influence change I will.
• There will be times that you will need to take the lead on making change happen.

Some changes take decades, but if they are critical for our success I will continue to do what I can, with what I have, right where I am – until it happens.

Learn More About How To Lead Change Here

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I promise to never forget that YOU are here for a reason:

• You have knowledge I don’t have.
• You have gifts and talents I don’t have.
• You have experiences I don’t have.
• You see things I don’t see.

We are stronger, wiser and more beautiful together.

You’re invited to put your skin in OUR game!

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YOUR TURN!  

What would you add to this Manifesto?

Have you written one of our own?

 

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