What is Your BS (Belief System)? – By Arnie Wohlgemut
A leadership belief system is often a story we tell ourselves to be true as a result of the situations we have experienced.
This is an important question – what is your leadership belief system? More than any management education or training, our beliefs and values directly impact how we treat people we work with.
Here are some thought that may reveal the source of your leadership belief system:
Where you are . . . Since we are a sum of our life experience, where you worked and where you are now matters. We model the leadership we see.
I personally have witnessed a young manager adopt the leadership style they were subjected to in the early years of their career. Abrupt comments were ‘excused’ as candour. Rudeness was the norm. They honestly believed that since they survived under a manger with that type of behaviour, it was acceptable to treat others that way. This was part of their leadership belief system.
“Destructive comments are an easy habit to fall into, especially among people who habitually rely on candor as a management tool. Before you make a destructive comment, ask yourself, not ‘Is it true?’ but, ‘Is it worth it?’ ”
Marshall Goldsmith
Why you are . . . There are many reasons we choose to take on a leadership role. It may be improved earnings, prestige or even a better parking spot. If you’re a person who wants to give back and serve people so their live also improve, this will be reflected in your leadership belief system and how you lead.
“My hope is that someday people won’t talk about servant leadership, because that will be the only type of leadership that exists.”
Patrick Lencioni
What you are . . . We to often buy into an identity based on what we do. This is risky, since our future work and status in life is not a certainty. What you really are is a result of the belief system you live by. These should be characteristics such are trustworthy, accessible, consistent, and supportive – in essence your reputation.
“The very best leaders, the bosses we all love to work for, are accessible, open, supportive and tuned in.”
Daniel Goleman
Who you are . . . “Who” is the essence of you; your character whether someone is looking or not. Knowing who you are requires self awareness. Some character traits you want to develop as a person and leader are – self control, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. These are not typically things that people see but they are things they experience working with you.
Being a leader is not about status and position, it’s about purpose. It’s your belief system that will shape your leadership.
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