Can loyalty and leadership peacefully coexist? Loyalty seems like such a noble trait, but its blind application can lead to so many black or white decisions. Do I support this person or the other? Are my loyalties to the individual or the institution? Loyalty doesn’t understand the word “gray” and that is where so many situations exist that leaders must address.
As I sit here writing this message, I know I am not actually grappling with the issue of loyalty but with all my core values. Identifying your core values and living them every day are critical components of becoming an authentic leader. This is easier said that done, however, for two reasons. First, there are situations where you know exactly what to do…but you must possess the courage to do it. Then there are the subtle and complex situations that require the wisdom to know you cannot apply your core values in a blunt force manner.
Each of us must embrace our core values and celebrate how they shape us as leaders. Adhering to our values creates authenticity but we cannot apply them blindly to every situation. Instead, we must exercise Wisdom and Courage…two important ingredients to living your core values in the “gray zone”.
Be intentional about it…
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