Effective leadership habits are covered in the text, and these include habits of mind (patterned ways of thinking that define issue approach and resolution), of character (ways of being in the world), and of authentic communicative performance (relating to others in a way that reflects ones own deeply held values and beliefs). I have personal reflections for the habits of mind and character concepts.
For habits of mind, "leaders draw on their own fundamental values and capabilities--operating in a frame of mind that is true to them yet, paradoxically, not their normal state of being..." I was told from an upper-manager before that to be uncomfortable is when progress and result can be achieved. I have upheld this philosophy since. Also, I am aware that I need to be true to myself because I don't want to lose my fundamental being in the process! For habits of character, I was enlightened to learn about Level 5 leaders (aka "Executives," per Collins). This was the only level where he found "that rarest of human combinations: personal humility alongside professional will." Modesty is key for me when looking for a leader I would want to work for. Two executives I admired from work before were modest and spoke in a very modest and yet inspirational and powerful way. They were the founders of the company, and I was really proud to work for them and to follow their company's ten principles.
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Hi Rabbit Tale - I enjoyed reading about your perspective on leadership. I agree that when exercising leadership, it is important to be true to yourself. I can also see how working for executives who were humble, but still “inspirational and powerful”, could be motivating and even empowering. Ralph Nader once said, “ … the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” I believe that to a certain extent, this is true. To me, this statement means that if leaders (like those two executives you had the pleasure of working for) can motivate and empower others, there will be more opportunities for leadership at all levels of an organization – something I believe most would argue, is worth striving for.
I admire that you continue to follow the philosophy held by your upper manager. The managers that you recall seem like good role models who inspired and motivated you. Through their actions, they have empowered you to learn and decide how you will become a great leader. I agree with you that modesty is a key attribute of a leader. Individuals who demonstrate modesty also show a profound commitment to the good of the company, which is inspiring to those who work under him/her.
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