The Final Audit: What defines your leadership?
Once, as a middle school principal, my radio went off to break up a fight. By the time I got there the fight had finished up. Two eighth grade boys were beefing about something that had started on social media. Algorithms in the cloud impacting human bodies in the tiled school hallway. Both boys were checked out by our school nurse, we notified parents, I started talking with each boy individually.
What emerged is that one of them had offended the other on social media inadvertently. One comment about the other’s post had been seen as an existential threat, which prompted today’s hallway showdown. Thanks Snapchat.
When parents arrived we spoke separately and then together. After a lot of listening, I offered them an alternative to traditional suspension: a repair conversation and a modified consequence. The next day both families met in my office and a gifted staff members helped the boys and the families understand the impact of their actions. Together we determined how they would make it right to each other and our school community. (Yes, there was still some in-school suspension time as well).
Why didn’t I just send the eighth graders home to teach them a lesson?
Because it doesn’t work. The resentments linger under the surface. The family’s trust in the school declines as we haven’t actually addressed what caused the fight, and students and teachers who are watching this whole process unfold are forming judgements about what kind of school we are. It also isn’t aligned with my values and the values of our school.
The same is true for your actions as a leader.
Your team, your people, your partners are watching your actions. They are forming narratives about why you do what you do--especially under pressure Your credibility and trustworthiness are continually assessed by those your lead.
As we see rapid change in our operating landscape, our market, and which groups have power. Your leadership will also be closely evaluated. What is solid about you? At the end of the day, who are you and what do you stand for? Are you worthy of my trust?
Here’s an exercise: take a moment and jot down the 5 most important things you want to be true at the end of your time on earth. What are the things that give your life meaning, at your core? My final audit might look like this:
Was I kind?
Did I do the right thing when it was hard?
Did I leave things better than I found them?
Was I patient?
Was I generous?
These statements are the basis for your values based leadership. They are your ground floor, your foundation. At the end of the day, actions aligned with these statements give rise to your integrity. As a purpose-driven leader, your team and your organization will watch your example.
Your integrity in action will build your credibility and trust.
Give it a try- let me know how it works for you.