Have you noticed that some people that are otherwise capable leaders with a past record of solid achievement, struggle with decisions? Perhaps their decisions, taken as a whole, or as body of work, do not seem aligned or consistent, leaving their teams unsure or confused in the leader’s direction.
In my journey, I have found that leaders with a deeply considered set of principles, ingrained and reinforced through repetition, reach sound decisions efficiently and comfortably. Why is that? My belief, after being the beneficiary of being around many outstanding leaders firsthand, is that they are strongly principled. These leaders have spent considerable personal time in quiet reflection, purposefully thinking about who they are and what they are about, at a foundational level.
This introspection leads to a set of core values, which in turn, defines the ‘True North’ of their personal compass. Life, especially life as a leader, becomes simpler for them, because they make decisions aligned with these deeply held principles, confidently and consistently. These leaders know what they stand for and why, and their decisions reflect that. They do not agonize over decisions. They decide and move on, confidently, knowing that time may prove some decisions better than others due to emerging knowledge or changing circumstance, but all decisions reached directly reflect and are fully aligned with their ‘True North’.
Teams led by these leaders, see and appreciate how these leaders lead with integrity - the depth and consistency of the leader’s character shaped by these principles - and follow them eagerly. These leaders inspire by their personal leadership behaviors and develop profound trust with their teams. These teams also recognize that while no leader is perfect, leaders with a well-honed ‘True North’, forged by deeply considered principles, seem to get it right, much more than not.
So, what is your ‘True North’ as a leader? If the answer doesn’t come to mind quickly, perhaps the next step in your development as a leader isn’t more work on the outside – skills developed or practical knowledge gained – but rather, more work on the inside, taking a much needed time-out to reflect deeply, on a very personal and individual level, and identify your principles. Define five or six major themes. Write them down. Soak on them. Test them by asking:
Is this really what I stand for?
Is this what I truly want to be seen as and known for, personally and
professionally?
Considered in total, are these principles a force for ‘good’ in my life and the lives of those with whom I interact ?
Once your ‘True North’ set of principles are defined, reflect on them often to both ingrain and reaffirm. Find a quiet time for reflection at the end of the day and compare your actions to these principles. Soon, this daily reflection will become second nature, and happen many times throughout the day, ‘course correcting’ as we go.
Leaders with a strongly developed ‘True North’ are usually easy to spot. They attract top talent, develop high performing teams, coach and mentor, and truly inspire us to be better people and leaders in our daily lives, at work and at home. Start today, following their example, and become that leader.
Find your ‘True North’.
Authored By: Jeff Boyer, Managing Director
