“Leader credibility is the cornerstone of corporate performance and global competitiveness”. – Tom Peters
One option for my leadership assignment this week was an exercise developed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner:
“Imagine that your organization has afforded you the chance to take a six-month sabbatical, all expenses paid. The only hitch is that you may not take any work along on this sabbatical. And you will not be permitted to communicate to anyone at your office or plant while you are away. Not by letter, phone, fax, e-mail, or other means. Just you, a few good books, some music, and your family or a friend. But before you depart, those with whom you work need to know the principles that you believe should guide their actions in your absence. They need to know the values and beliefs that you think should steer their decisions making and action taking. After all, you’ll want to be able to fit back in on your return. You are permitted no long reports, however. Just a one-page Credo Memo. Take out one piece of paper and write that memo.”
M E M O R A N D U M
To: My Office
Subject: The next six-months…and beyond
In my absence, I would like for you to remember these principles. Be committed to our organization and maintain the standard of excellence that we have built together.
Hard Work. Hard work is necessary for success. Remember to put forth your best efforts in everything you do, and you will always know that you gave at least 100% of your efforts. Failures, from time to time, are inevitable. However, if we give our best in everything then the occasional failure is easier to take and can be a learning experience.
Perseverance. Working through adversity and difficulty makes us stronger and more equipped to deal with problems should they arise in the future. Stay steadfast and committed to your goals and you will eventually succeed.
Honesty. Being honest with our co-workers, our clients, and ourselves is of the highest importance. A lack of honesty will lead to nothing beneficial in the long run. Dishonesty destroys trust and integrity.
Humility. Maintaining an attitude of humility allows interpersonal relationships to blossom and grow. Consider for example the statement: “The customer is always right”. It requires an attitude of humility to adopt that statement and implement it well. Humility will also allow your relationships with co-workers to be strong and positive by remembering that others have needs that may be more important than your own.
Collaboration. Work together towards the success of the organization. Working against each other will only lead to disintegration of the structure and success within the organization. Remember that we are all on the same side.
Fun. Have fun. Enjoy what you do. Laugh. Celebrate your successes.
This has probably been my favorite activity so far in regards to this class and possibly this semester. As a graduating senior facing a less than inviting job market, identifying those values and beliefs that are important to me and my work ethic is something very important to be able to communicate to potential employers. Having a personal knowledge of where I stand is very relevant to my current position in life; being able to communicate them makes this knowledge even more valuable. My “Credo Memo” is something I will most definitely retain and carry with me.
