Decipher the Stone - Principle-Centered Leadership - part #1

Quality and empowerment are not complete without principle-centered leadership. The notion of principle-centered leadership was first introduced into the literature in 1990 by the late Stephen R. Covey. Over time, many people have built on his original thinking and called it by many other names. Still, from my perspective, Covey was the one who defined the concept. 

As he wrote in his book by the same title, “Principle-centered leadership introduces a new paradigm - that we center our lives and our leadership of organizations and people on certain “true north” principles…. Principles are not invented by us or by society; they are the laws of the universe that pertain to human relationships and human organizations. They are part of the human condition, consciousness, and conscience. To the degree people recognize and live in harmony with such basic principles as fairness, equity, justice, integrity, honesty, and trust, they move toward either survival and stability on the one hand or disintegration and destruction on the other.” It was powerful thinking thirty years ago and every bit applicable to today’s challenges.

From my perspective, when the principles of trust and respect join with the principles of integrity, justice, and equity, leaders can unify quality and empowerment into a sustainable, strategic and operational platform for long term success. For the development of this integrated foundation to take place, the leaders of a company must sit down and deeply reflect on the mission or purpose of the organization. They also must recommit to the core values that guide daily actions at all levels. With a deep understanding of and commitment to being mission-driven and values-led, principle-centered leadership can flourish and be the catalyst for synergy. It is the combination of the commitment to principles and people, over authority and control, that creates new and better outcomes.

This week, reflect on the above quote and write what are the core principles that guide your life, be they at work, at home, or in your community. You, too, can be a principle-centered leader and principle-centered person, no matter what your job title.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

Discover the “Rosetta Stone” of Change

In 1799, during the Napoleonic occupation of Egypt, a Frenchman discovered the Rosetta Stone near Alexandria. The Rosetta Stone commemorated the ascension of Ptolemy V to the Egyptian throne in three writing systems: Greek, cursive Egyptian, and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. 

Subsequent study of these inscriptions lead European scholars to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics for the first time, thus providing access to a much broader view of history through the translation of ancient Egyptian texts. The Rosetta Stone facilitated the understanding of the ancient Egyptians’ unique world view previously obscured from modern explanation. 

Many people in leadership positions right now know their organization needs to become more nimble, flexible and agile doing the next two years. They recognize the importance of shared values, clarity of strategic intent, and the importance of building a high degree of trust and collaboration within and between teams. 

However, they are struggling to figure out how to create this depth of clarity and action throughout their organizations such that it is sustainable, i.e. a flywheel for positive focus and momentum through the current and emerging challenges. In short, they feel like they are trying to read ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics without the a Rosetta Stone.

When I listen to a diverse number of people in leadership positions share and explore what they are doing that is working and what they are doing that is not working, it has become clear to me that we must decipher three key concepts this winter, namely quality, empowerment and principle-centered leadership.  We must create a new level of understanding and rediscover the common threads that unite these key concepts. In short, we need to discover a “Rosetta Stone” of change for this new decade.

This week, I encourage you to sit down and reflect about what you know to be true about quality, empowerment and principle-centered leadership. Then, over the coming weeks, we can bring my thoughts and your thoughts together into a greater whole.

Happy New Year!

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257