| Wise leaders create governing values for themselves | | | | consistent, this creates credibility. And it is through being |
| and the organizations they lead. These values form | | | | credible that a leader can encourage a long-term |
| the foundation for the organization's culture and | | | | commitment from the group. |
| function as a guiding light for coworkers, helping them | | | | Solomon says:"Without wise leadership, a nation is in |
| make correct decisions and work toward common | | | | trouble; but with good counselors there is safety." |
| goals. | | | | Wise leaders understand their role of creating the |
| These values are best reflected in time-tested | | | | arena for their employee's success. Such an arena |
| principles, which are deep, fundamental truths with | | | | makes it possible for the employees to feel inspired, |
| universal application. These truths address laws that | | | | challenged and that they are working towards an |
| are as firm in "human physics" as the law of | | | | exciting future. It makes it possible to interact in a |
| gravitation is in natural physics. For example, the law of | | | | winning way in relation to their surroundings. |
| gravity says that if you drop an object from the roof | | | | We as individuals are unique and at the same time |
| of a building it will fall to the ground. We know, with | | | | complementary. To develop fully, we need supportive |
| absolute certainty that this will happen every time we | | | | leadership. Some leaders create "leadership by |
| do it and we don't question it. In the same way these | | | | enthusiasm" when facing a task with themselves at |
| human truths are equally reliable. They are not only a | | | | the center. Others lead by providing a clear picture of |
| set of values, but they are the foundations of human | | | | the situation and opportunities available in it. Still others |
| effectiveness and interaction. | | | | have a more methodical, step by step manner of |
| When leaders align with universal principles such as | | | | leading the group. A wise leader provides a sense of |
| trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, honesty, | | | | continuity for the group and defines limits that all have |
| compassion, excellence and perseverance they | | | | to comply with - especially the leader him/herself - |
| create the conditions for long-lasting success. | | | | regardless of their leadership style. |
| King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, | | | | Solomon says: "Whatever you do, do well." |
| says: "A good man is guided by his honesty." | | | | We all possess a greater potential within us. The |
| Leaders have to be clever and competent, but they | | | | question is where do we find the situation and the |
| must also have sound values and a powerful sense of | | | | people that can bring out this greater good. "How can I |
| integrity. In good times as well as bad the most | | | | create my future" and "How can I lift those around |
| effective leaders stay true to their unique set of | | | | me" will be the key questions for enhanced leadership. |
| values. They do what is right and tell the truth in all | | | | Wise leaders realize that there is only one way to go. |
| areas of life. That doesn't say they are perfect or that | | | | It is to deepen one's own awareness of and |
| the struggle to be true to themselves and their values | | | | confidence in the future. The responsibility that lies |
| isn't a life-long journey. And it's not just in the major | | | | before us as leaders is to always operate for the |
| decisions that this quality is needed; integrity in little | | | | good, for a better future, and a better world. This is a |
| things is equally important. There are no degrees of | | | | deep understanding of and commitment to the values |
| integrity. You either have it or you don't. | | | | that possess a weight and validity beyond one's own |
| We value honesty more than any other virtue and we | | | | self, and which gives life greater quality and larger |
| appreciate people who represent a strong value | | | | dimensions. |
| system. If we are to follow someone, whether it is in | | | | To become a wiser leader: |
| business, school, or politics, we want to feel faith and | | | | Empower your co-workers to participate in the |
| confidence in that person. | | | | development of the group's common guiding principles. |
| Solomon says: "It is far better not to say you'll do | | | | Ask question and discuss: What do we want to stand |
| something than to say you will and then not do it." | | | | for? What do we consider as truly important? How do |
| We expect our leaders to set a good example and | | | | we want to interact with each other and others in |
| act in an exemplary and positive way. Effective | | | | order to provide value? |
| leaders live as they learn through acting in accordance | | | | Set aside time for your own reflection on what |
| with vision and values. As the saying goes: Our actions | | | | you value and what you want to stand for in your life |
| speak louder than words. That our words and deeds | | | | and leadership. |
| are aligned constitutes the basis for credibility of | | | | Deal with those in your environment with dignity |
| leadership. | | | | and respect. |
| Wise leaders set a good example by acting in | | | | Devote time to the group's viability and |
| accordance with higher values. Those values | | | | development. |
| permeate their behavior and promote confidence. | | | | Know and honor your commitments and promises |
| They range from creating good relations to fully | | | | to the entire group. |
| completing tasks. Quality and creativity are the key | | | | Serve as a good example when it comes to |
| words. | | | | relationships, attitudes, and work habits. |
| What the leader spends time on and pays attention to | | | | Know that what you, as the leader, spend time on |
| counts. Wise leaders deliberately devote time to the | | | | and pay attention to counts. |
| group's viability and development. Supporting both the | | | | Create the arena for your employee's success. |
| group and the individual becomes the norm. When | | | | Always operate for the good, a better future, and |
| people in the group see that words and deeds are | | | | a better world. |