Leadership as a Core Organizational Value:

Choosing a word or a couple of words as your guiding values can help keep you on track to build your best life and best organization. This is the tenth in my year-long series on Core Values. They often seem so obvious that one wonders if they warrant discussion. I believe they do from personal experience. There was a period of losses in my life that could have easily made me lose my way. By grabbing ahold of a couple of core values that defined who I was and wanted to be, I was able to successfully navigate some tough times. This month we're going to discuss Leadership.

Leadership is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental core value that can drive organizations to greater heights of success. When leadership is embedded in the DNA of an organization, it transforms the way teams work, decisions are made, and goals are achieved. In this article, we explore the significance of leadership as a core organizational value, provide examples of companies that embrace leadership, and offer insights into how others can make it an integral part of their own organizations.

The Significance of Leadership as a Core Value

Leadership is not solely the responsibility of top executives; it should permeate every level of an organization. When leadership is embraced as a core value, it brings about a multitude of benefits:

1. Innovation: A culture of leadership encourages employees to think creatively, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. This environment fosters innovation and drives the development of new ideas and solutions.

2. Adaptability: Companies that value leadership are more adaptable to change. Leaders inspire their teams to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

3. Engagement: Employees who feel empowered to lead within their roles tend to be more engaged and motivated. This leads to increased productivity and a positive work atmosphere.

4. Resilience: Leadership values help organizations build resilience. When faced with adversity, leaders at all levels of the organization can step up, find solutions, and keep the organization moving forward.

5. Talent Development: Emphasizing leadership as a core value creates a pipeline of future leaders. Employees are encouraged to develop leadership skills, ensuring a continuous pool of talent for leadership roles.

Companies Embracing Leadership as a Core Value

Several companies have successfully integrated leadership as a core value into their organizational culture. Let's take a look at a few notable examples:

1. General Electric (GE): GE has a strong tradition of leadership development. The company's leadership institute provides training and development programs for employees at all career stages, ensuring a constant supply of skilled leaders.

2. Zappos: This online retailer is known for its emphasis on employee empowerment and leadership. Zappos has a flat organizational structure that encourages employees to take on leadership roles regardless of their title.

3. Southwest Airlines: Southwest's leadership philosophy centers on putting employees first. This approach has created a strong sense of ownership and leadership among its employees, contributing to the airline's success.

How to Make Leadership a Part of Your Organization

Now that we understand the significance of leadership as a core value and have seen real-world examples, here are some steps to help you integrate leadership into your organization:

1. Define Your Leadership Principles: Develop a set of clear leadership principles that align with your organization's mission and values. These principles should guide decision-making and behavior at all levels.

2. Leadership Training: Invest in leadership training programs that cater to employees at all levels. Encourage ongoing development to nurture leadership skills.

3. Lead by Example: Leadership starts at the top. Leaders in your organization should exemplify the leadership values you want to promote. Their actions and decisions should reflect these principles.

4. Empower and Delegate: Give employees the autonomy to make decisions and lead within their roles. Encourage them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the organization's success.

5. Recognize and Reward Leadership: Implement recognition and reward systems that celebrate leadership behaviors. Highlight and celebrate examples of leadership within your organization.

6. Foster a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication at all levels. Leaders should actively seek feedback and be receptive to new ideas and perspectives.

Leadership as a core organizational value is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is a dynamic and adaptable principle that can be tailored to fit the unique needs and culture of any organization. By embracing leadership, you can foster innovation, adaptability, engagement, and resilience, leading to greater success in an ever-changing business landscape.