What A Leader Must Be, Part 1

Beliefs, Values, and Norms

Yesterday, I hinted at beliefs and their affect on one's ability to influence others. Today, I want to get deeper into the lesson from the Fm 22-100 about one of three aspects of a leader (Be of Be, Do, Know).

Beliefs

Beliefs are assumptions or convictions you hold as true about some thing, concept, or person. You can have beliefs about religion, work ethic, fundamentals of governing, and so much more. All of these combined work together to form who a leader is. Some people view work as a means of accomplishing larger goals. Others see work as their main goal in life. Experiences play a large part in the way a leader believes.

Our beliefs affect our understanding of human nature. Some leaders believe in reward and punishment as motivational tools while others believe that their people should give their best simply because they are on the team. Some leaders grow up with hidden prejudices while others are very trusting and open to all people.

Leaders behave according to how they believe. The beliefs of a leader impact directly on the the leadership climate, cohesion, discipline, training, and combat effectiveness of a unit.

Values

Along with beliefs, values also affect who a leader is. Values are attitudes about the worth or importance of people, concepts, or things. Here is where beliefs and values differ. Beliefs determine your priorities while values put order to them. People put value on truth, money, friendships, justice, human rights, or selfishness.

I learned several years ago that priorities will make or break a leader. Here is how I list mine now:

1. God
2. Family
3. Church
4. Business
5. Entertainment or fun

I put high value on my faith in God and my desire to care for my family. The stronger the values the least likely you are to want to give them up. Values do conflict with our work, those we work with, and how we perform our work at times. Our values will guide our actions.

Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 10:2 (NIV)

Ill gotten treasure comes from those with little value for people or moral integrity. Doing the right thing, however, keeps you healthier a lot longer (less stress and worry). The FM 22-100 gives four individual values needed by every leader:

• Courage
• Candor
• Competence
• Commitment

Courage comes in two forms: physical and moral. Physical courage happens when a person overcomes the fear of bodily harm to achieve a task or perform moral duty. Moral courage is overcoming fears such as rebuke, firing, or other harms (not physical) in order to do what should be done.

Moral courage counts on a leader standing up when something is wrong such as fighting against tax evasion or holding themselves accountable for failure when a task goes wrong. To stand on one's morals, values, ethics, and convictions takes courage. Moral courage is present when you perform an action that is not in your best interest but it is the right thing to do. Leaders stand out when they support their leadership publicly (support publicly always gains you leverage privately) as long as it doesn't cross legal or moral grounds. Courage is encountered when a leader makes it difficult for others to do the wrong thing (like seek revenge). Easy, unethical decisions for the sake of expediency or convenience is another place for moral courage to arise (quick and easy can get people hurt or damage the reputation of a business - just look at Toyota!).

As the FM 22-100 continues to say, don't ease the way for others to do wrong; stand up for your beliefs and what you know is right. Do not compromise your professional ethic or your individual values and moral principles. If you believe you are right after sober and considered judgment, hold your position.

Candor is being frank, open, honest, and sincere with those you lead, your superiors, and your peers. It is an expression of personal integrity. Be careful how you do this. If you come across wrong, then someone will think that you are a trouble maker or hardheaded. Disagreement takes tact.

1. Select the right place and time for any disagreement (as I said, public support gains loads of private leverage)
2. Don't criticize something without giving a constructive alternative
3. Recognize that when a decision is made and final, you should support it even if you disagree (you've been heard; don't be insubordinate)

Communicate the truth and things will play themselves out in a better light. Create discord through disagreement, and any truth you may have had will be immaterial as your ability to be trusted as a leader is diminished. Candor expresses personal integrity. Demand it from your subordinates and expect it from your superiors and peers.

The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. Proverbs 16:13 (NLT)

Competence is proficiency in required professional knowledge, judgment, and skills. Let's face it, if you do not know what you are talking about, who is going to listen as you attempt to train them or even lead them? Competence builds confidence in one's self and in one's unit. If you want to affect morale negatively, then talk about things that you do not have any experience or competence in. If you want to disrupt the courage you tried to build up in those following, then be incompetent - they will lose trust in you. If you do not want success, then try to be something you are not - your people will follow you over the cliff or push you off!

Commitment means the dedication to carry out all tasks and to serve the values of the company or unit. If you develop your people professionally and let them develop personally, then you are contributing to your company's success.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12 (NLT)

I will pick up on what the FM 22-100 says about Norms, the importance of beliefs, values, and norms, and how to influence these areas in the next post. Hope you are enjoying this. Let me know your opinions!