 VALUED
CENTERED LEADERSHIP - A
Call to Action
By Iqbal Barkat Ali, speaker, author & coachWe live in
turbulent times. Leadership roles are
becoming
increasingly challenging and stressful as we are pulled in many different directions.
Performance and productivity are paramount issues for all leaders, and our success depends
more and more on our people.
At the same time, individuals in today’s high-speed world of
multiple responsibilities, commitments and demands face the tremendous challenge of making
a meaningful and significant contribution to their organization, without neglecting other
important areas of their lives. In attempting to fulfill these various needs, many
employees feel that their lives are out of control and out of balance - they are
dissatisfied with their careers and their lives.
In an era where corporate success depends on resilient, motivated, and
productive employees, these pressures are creating exactly the opposite effect: high
stress, low morale, decreased effectiveness, and reduced loyalty and contribution to the
organization. Consequently, employees today are growing more and more demanding. They have
realized that their overall quality of life is largely determined by their work, and they
feel that their careers should be a source of financial and personal satisfaction. Their
needs and values are vastly diverse and different from their counterparts even a few years
ago, and many are moving to organizations that are more responsive to their needs.
Attracting, motivating and retaining bright, creative and highly
productive performers is essential in today’s competitive border-less economy.
Organizations that creatively harness the contribution of their people are sure to gain a
competitive advantage.
I believe that the needs of our people is the issue that leaders must
address - for the sake of their organizations and for the well-being of our society. This
challenge calls for ‘awakened’ leaders who desire to make a real and lasting
impact through their leadership.
In other words, a new approach to leadership is required, one based on
inner conviction and values: Value-Centered Leadership. I am convinced that if leaders
have the courage to lead based on their values - and consequently the impact they want to
have - they will surely make a positive and lasting effect on their organizations and on
the quality of life of their people.
Values provide focus and vision. In today’s competitive and
rapidly changing environment, we are pulled in various directions. Being clear about our
values enables us to remain centered and consciously provide leadership based on what is
really important to us, instead of letting circumstances take our organization off course.
Our efforts can be deliberate and focused, thereby enabling us to produce significant
results.
As a leader, what impact do you want to make through your organization?
What type of a legacy do you wish to leave behind? How would you like to be remembered?
Reflecting on these and similar questions can help you clarify your values and vision.
As you begin to reflect on your future and that of your organization, I
would like you to keep in mind the words of Woodrow Wilson, the twenty-eighth President of
the United States:
“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable
the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and
achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget
the errand.”
A new era calls for a new leadership philosophy. Value-Centered
Leadership is about looking inside before taking steps to lead on the outside. It is an
invitation to guide from your inner core, and to leave your legacy. As we navigate through
uncharted waters, it is this leadership that will help us stay on course and successfully
complete the journey. I wish you success and fulfillment on your journey as you leave your
personal, value-centered ‘signature’ on this world.
Iqbal Barkat Ali is a speaker, author & coach specializing in
helping individuals achieve personal, professional & corporate results in a balanced
& meaningful way. Immersed in both the Eastern & Western cultures, Iqbal brings a
distinct perspective to his audience. Iqbal may be reached at coach@3web.net or 403.208.4744. |
