Developing a Philosophy of Leadership

A leadership philosophy is the way we see ourselves as leaders. This philosophy guides our actions, our
behaviors, and our thoughts. Our philosophies are influenced by external and internal forces. We can
change who we are as leaders by simply changing our philosophy of leadership. Leadership philosophies
can change as you grow to understand yourself within the context of leading.

Creating or finding your leadership philosophy means that you must explore and reflect upon your
personal values, assumptions, and beliefs about leadership.

Personal values are qualities or characteristics that you value. You would rather leave an organization or
step down as a leader than violate your values. Your values guide your intentions and they influence how
you lead. When your personal values are clear and you are conscious of them, you create a solid
foundation for leading.

Assumptions are ideas that are assumed or believed to be true. As a leader it is important to understand
what assumptions fuel your leadership thinking. Often leaders are not aware of the assumptions because
they are operating from certain paradigms that will not allow them to see assumptions. Reflection into
ones leadership is an excellent way to uncover assumptions.

Beliefs are ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities. If a leader believes that the only
individuals in an organization that can make decisions is the management staff, then that belief will
influence how the leader treats others. Beliefs can also be unconscious; they are for us a habitual way of
thinking and acting that it doesnt cross our minds that our beliefs may be prohibiting us.

The following is an exercise to help you create, find, or define your personal philosophy of leadership.

Exercise 1: Identifying Your Leadership Values

From the list below, pick five core values that you feel describe and guide who you are as a leader. You
may choose other values that are not on this list. Place them in the following chart and answer the
questions in the matrix.

Achievement Balance Creativity Integrity

Activity Challenge Diverse perspectives Justice
Advancement Change Duty Love
Adventure Collaboration Economic security Loyalty
Affiliation Community Friendship Personal Development
Affluence Competency Health Recognition
Authority Competition Humor Self-respect
Autonomy Courage Harmony Wisdom

Other values that you would like to include but are not on the list?
Adventure
Collaboration
Creativity
Diverse perspectives
Integrity

Commitment

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 Identifying Your Leadership Values
VALUES Personal Definition of Values
List your values here List here your definition of these
values here
1. Advancement -having the opportunity to
climb up the ladder based
on one ability to prove
themselves worthy
-working alongside and
2. Collaboration with others towards a goal
-being financially
3. Economic Security comfortable and not
stressed over money
-not taking life so seriously
4. Humor
-growing as a person,
5. Personal mentally, spiritually, even
Development physically
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How do you envision these
values playing out in your
leadership?
I believe its important to
belong to an organization
that values promoting from
within. I envision myself
working hard for a company
and eventually making my
way to an executive
position.
In todays workplace, its
essential to work well in
groups. Although I tend to
take the lead within groups,
having collaboration skills
will help me in any
industry.
This is a very important
factor in my pursuit for a
career. I believe I will use
money as a motivator to
aspire to be a better leader
to those around me.
As a leader, its crucial to
earn respect, but also
important to show youre
human. Im a humorous
person and will embrace
this part of me when its
appropriate.
In addition to growing
within a company, growing
as a person is equally
important to me. Being a
good leader means adapting
to what life throws at you
and continuing to serve as
an example.
2
Exercise 2: Uncovering Your Leadership Assumptions

Answer the following questions about leadership. By reflecting on these questions, you will find what
assumptions are driving your leadership thinking.

1. Write down two stories of leadership. One story should describe a positive experience youve had
with leadership and the second story should describe a time when you had a negative experience
with leadership.

Throughout my soccer career, Ive had multiple coaches with various leadership styles. After my coach
got fired or quit as she put it, someone had to step up before the next season. Although he was young
and inexperienced as a head coach, my assistant coach Carter decided to apply and got the position. He
had to transition from being more of our peer to the head coach of the best varsity team in the district.
While maintaining the friendly relationship he had with us, he also stepped into an authoritative role,
providing me with a great soccer experience.

Although I enjoyed my job at Dunkin Donuts, I had dozens of unpleasant experiences simply due to poor
management and leadership skills. My bosses are originally from India and have hired many family
members from India who dont speak English very well and are still immersed in Indian culture. She did a
poor job of creating an inclusive environment between her family members and the other staff. She would
speak to them in Hindi and bond over things we couldnt possible relate to. I got along well with
everyone, but my white coworkers didnt appreciate feeling left out and not part of the work environment.
She couldve done a better job of making sure everyone felt comfortable working there.

2. In the space below, write down your definition of leadership.

I define leadership as the ability to influence others towards a goal or vision.

3. Using your definition of leadership, please elaborate how you first came to understand (or know) your
leadership definition.

Throughout high school I was involved in dozens of clubs/activities/organizations, and I assumed

leadership positions in most of them. My experience taught me that if you dont have a specific vision,
others might have trouble following you. Its important to have clear goals and give your followers steps
or guidance to achieve these goals.

4. Describe who are the individuals or organizations that influence your leadership definition.

My boss at my catering job was an exceptional mentor, leader, and personal friend in one. She showed me
how much verbal appreciation can influence ones work ethic. She constantly thanked me for the tedious
work I did and made sure to keep open communication with all of her employees. Regarding leading us
toward a vision, I grew with her and the company as it built form the ground up and become a local
success. Her leadership skills helped me become the worker and leader I am today.

For each of the questions in this section, ask yourself:

1. What were my assumptions?

2. What influenced my assumptions?
3. Would others (co-workers, friends, supervisors) see the situations I described differently?

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Exercise 3: Understanding Your Leadership Beliefs

Answer the following questions about leadership beliefs. By reflecting on these questions, you will find
what beliefs you hold about leadership.

1. Can people who have caused others harm be leaders, e.g. Adolph Hitler?

Unfortunately, yes, I believe harmful and manipulative people can become leaders. It is evident in todays
world with corrupt corporate executives, slimy politicians, and celebrity spokespeople. Many look to
these people for guidance and direction and corrupt leaders use their platform to spread harmful ideas.
Adolph Hilter, for example, genuinely believed he was just in the genocide of killing millions of innocent
people, and some believed he was right as well. Its important as an audience to decide between the good
and the bad.

2. Should leaders have certain qualities to be able to lead?

Yes, having the ability to get others to listen to you is essential to be a leader. Listening does not
necessarily have to be literal. One can gain followers through actions and even symbolic gestures but
once you gain the attention of an audience, you have the opportunity to lead.

3. Who decides who leads?

Deciding leaders depend upon the leader themselves, the audience, the media, the situational context, etc.
Essentially, everything has an effect on who were listening to at a certain point in time.

4. How do leaders gain credibility?

Leaders gain credibility through experience, a following, clear and valuable visions, and most importantly
by instigating change.

5. In general, is there something good about leadership?

Of course, the ability to lead others is a great skill to have. Leadership is vital for those trying to move up
in companies, organizations, or taking more active roles in communities. There are many examples of
good leadership instigating massive change, such as Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr.

6. What do you think is the purpose for leadership?

This world is filled with so many different types of people, while some prefer taking charge, others are
more comfortable listening to direction. In our societies, families, and everyday life, there must be
leaders, and there must be followers. Its just human nature to accommodate to one another and establish
hierarchy within institutions.

7. Is leadership behavior developed through personal experiences or through external forces?

Although I believe leadership is a very individual skill and is developed more through personal
experience, I think both play a huge role in developing leaders. What someone goes through in their
lifetime has a big impact on how they would lead a group of people. However, external forces have an

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impact on personal experiences. The way were treated by family, peers, or our perceptions of society has
an influence on how we might develop as leaders as well.

For the questions above, write down one statement for each question that best illustrates your belief about
that question. For example, if you answered #6 with: The purpose of leadership is to provide vision,
guidance, and bring people together for a common good. It unites people and gets them to join together
for a goal, then your belief statement may be: I believe that leadership provides a vision to create a
common good. Write a statement for each question. These statements will be used in combination with the
other activities to create a philosophy of leadership for you.

Exercise 4: Finalizing Your Leadership Philosophy

Now that youve identified your leadership values, uncovered your leadership assumptions, and
understand what beliefs guide your leadership thinking, you are now ready to write statements reflecting
your leadership philosophy using the responses above. Statements about your leadership should be
written in the present moment not in the future tense. Creating present moment statements helps you to
internalize and visualize your philosophy as it is happening now, not in the future or the past.

Your leadership philosophy should be a statement that consists of your responses from the above exercise.
It doesnt have to include everything, but it should encompass the general idea of what youve written. It
doesnt have to be formatted in a certain way just whatever makes sense to you. You can write one
sentence statements or you can write a story explaining your philosophy. Start with an initial draft of your
philosophy and write it down. Revise it as often as you need. Remember, your philosophy can change
depending on where you are at with your leadership.

After youve finished, type out your philosophy on a nice sheet of paper and frame it. Add pictures or
artwork to your philosophy. Place it in an area where you will see it all the time; this will serve as a
reminder to you to remain true to your leadership. The following is a sample philosophy statement
consisting of one sentence statements. Remember, you can write your philosophy in any way that makes
sense to you.
My Leadership Philosophy is

Anyone has the ability to become a good leader; developing yourself through personal
experience, embracing external influences, and finding your passion and values is essential in
leading well.

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