In what ways does having more clarity about your values help you become a better leader?
Having clarity about your values helps you become a better leader because you must know your true self and what is important to you to be able to lead others and set an example (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). It allows you to discover who you are, which is essential because leading others begins with leading yourself (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Your values guide the decisions you make and how you interact with others (Kouzes & Posner, 2017).
What is the difference between being deeply committed to a value and imposing your will on others? Why does a leader need to know the difference?
A leader needs to know the difference between being committed to a value and imposing your will on others. Being a leader is not just about the leader’s values, but the values of others as well (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). A leader and their constituents may not have all the same values, but what is essential is to communicate which values they have in common to conclude the expectation for the organization (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Having those conversations about shared values allows people to find significance in their work (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). You are only going to achieve your goals when everyone agrees and commits to the shared values (Dye, 2017).