- What is the difference between a textbook and an authentic leader?
- What type of leader do you want to be?
While in graduate school, I learned theories about human behavior. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provided the roadmap of how to put those theories into practice for anyone, especially leaders. The book’s author used the terms “personality ethic” and “character ethic” to describe the difference between intellectual and heartfelt leaders. Intellectuals (those who subscribe to the personality ethic) know the terms. They motivate for the moment. Stephen Covey calls their interventions quick-fix social band-aids. Whereas the heart-felt (character ethic) leaders understand that lasting change requires self-awareness and the desire to transform.
Real transformation takes time and conscious effort. It’s like learning a new language or losing weight. It won’t happen overnight. But it will happen when people are willing to work at it daily. It is one thing to know concepts and techniques, it is much more effective when those concepts are incorporated in the spirit and emotion of leaders and team members. I wholeheartedly agree with the words of my former yoga instructor, “you can’t give what you do not have.” In other words, if it is not heart-felt and authentic, you don’t have it.
There are three major categories I committed to transforming in my life through words and deeds. The major categories are humility, empathy, and constructive action. In terms of humility, I strive to treat people the way I want to be treated even if they don’t reciprocate. Focusing on empathy helps me to see through the eyes, hear through the ears, and feel the world as others do. Most importantly, I need to put my thoughts into action. At one point in my life, I was cordial, but academic and impersonal. Looking back, I realize that the personality ethic was my dominant mode of operation. I knew the terms, techniques, and lingo. With age comes wisdom. Through life experiences, I learned to lead from the heart and employed the character ethic more fully. I am all about continuous improvement. My transformation is a daily work in progress. Some days I do better than others.
What will you do to make your workplace better?
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