Exemplary Leadership

1) Model the Way
- Find your voice by clarifying your personal values.
- Set the example by aligning actions with shared values.
Business Example- When I was in management at my previous job, part of my job was to “model the way”. I worked in customer service so it was my job to model and establish ways that our customers should be treated in front of my employees. Part of my responsibility was to create the standard of what my company was looking for and set the example for others to follow. My previous employer would often give recognition to those who would model the way the business wanted its employees to be.
2) Inspire a Shared Vision
- Envision the future by imagining exciting and ennobling possibilities.
- Enlist others in a common vision by appealing to shared aspirations.
Personal Example- I personally try to inspire others and imagine my future with positivity. I am always dreaming of what my future might be and I personally believe that I can make it happen and make a difference. I know you aren’t supposed to but I day dream sometimes in church, but I only envision how different our community would be if everyone had a relationship with God. I don’t try to push my religion on anyone, but what I do share with others is the vision of my life and how much better it is and has been with God in it. He has enabled so many positive things in my life.

3) Challenge the Process
- Search for opportunities by seeking innovative ways to change, grow, and improve.
- Experiments and take risks by constantly generating small wins and learning from mistakes.
Business Example- In my previous job in customer service management my team of other managers and myself would often challenge the process. We were always looking for ways to make our team change, grow, and improve what they do. Being a leader I constantly was looking for ways to take risks with positive outcomes. We researched why other stores sold thing better than what we did so we would experiment in other merchandising ways. Sometimes they ended up being failures, but we did learn from our failures. We learned what not to do next time, many times.
4) Enable others to Act
- Foster collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust.
- Strengthen others by sharing power and discretion.
Business Example- A business example I have for what I would do to enable others to act was I would build trust in my employees so they felt strong enough to make the right decisions instead of calling for a management answer for simple questions. I would try to make my employees feel like we were a team and would set goals for all of us to make together. I would also set some people responsible for certain tasks and rotate the power between my employees to strengthen their skills and work on their weaknesses. I would do this in hopes that it would make them a better employee and feel confident in their work.

5) Encourage the Heart
- Recognize contributions by showing appreciation for individual excellence.
- Celebrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community.
Business Example- While at work having a positive emotion towards people has huge benefits. Being positive at work has proved to me that it reduces stress levels for not only me but also my other co workers. It makes for a better work experience when you are recognized for your good contributions for work. I feel much appreciated at work and I try to make others feel that way as well. It is very encouraging to have leaders that celebrate values and victories within the company.