In every situation in life where a choice must be made, values affect the outcome. That is a generalization, but I'm using it anyway. Everyone wants to make the right decision. Another generalization. Decisions will be different when made by different people with different values. Probably true, but a bit specific. Considering these statements, values determine what different people feel is right when saved with different situations. So what is actually right?
By now, the majority of us understand that there are many different types of leaders, and there are many different types of good leaders. Do good leaders all have the same values? No. Do all good leaders make the same decisions? No. A leader must be able to either use their values to facilitate good decision making, or to put aside their values for the good of the group. This may lead to different results, facilitated by different decisions, but the key role of a leader is to be able to interpret and handle the situation in what they feel will result in the best outcome.
Did I just say that leaders need to go by their values to overlook their values? Yes. No time to rewrite that section, but I can explain it, using myself as an example. I have a lot of conflicting values, and I doubt I'm alone in that. I hate making people feel bad, but when a group member has a 4th grade writing level, the last thing I any them to be doing is the intro to the report. So, would it be 'right' inform them of this and reassign their skills, or do I avoid the conflict altogether and rewrite it silently afterward? I know that in this situation my dislike of disheartening others would trump the potential to advise them and help them improve, but whether or not this is the right decision is up for debate.
My idea of this topic has actually changed as I've written, so here's a revised statement: Leaders must be able to assess situations and make the correct decision based on their values and their leadership abilities. If I knew that bringing up my group member's writing ability could really help due to my ability to teach the subject well, then that might have overcome my fear of making them feel bad. I don't have that skill, so that wouldn't happen, but for another leader it certainly could.
Values are another tool in a leader's arsenal, if they choose to use them as such. They are, however, a much more dangerous tool, and can become a weapon if you don't know when to holster them.
I think it was a cool idea that you mentioned that good leaders may not be drawn by the same set of values, or make the same decisions. I haven't thought about it in that perspective before. I also agree that my values conflict aswell. I feel like there is a balancing act that I go through when I battles with political,economical, and religious values. And it's hard to really see others values when you are just worrying about your own
ReplyDeleteGrant - I really like your writing style! The stream of consciousness works well for you and give great insight into your thought process. Clearly - you've been soaking a lot in and wrestling with some of the ideas we've covered. I think that the point you bring up about leaders having conflicting values is a really great observation - but not one that many people are honest to talk about. People are conflicted, complicated creatures - and when we take on that title of "leader" people often feel the need to project perfection. In reality, there can be a lot of conflict and disagreement beneath the surface, but taking the time to face that, reflect on it, and have the courage to talk about it makes you a stronger more authentic person/leader. Nice work.
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