“Life is just more fun when we are choosing to be responsible.” Henry & Karen Kimsey-House. Being a responsible leader is pretty different compared to being a responsible leader decades ago. Today there is a more holistic and systemic approach to being a responsible leader.
It partly means to be response-able – able to respond – have the awareness to notice what is needed in the moment and what is needed for all the key stakeholders and the agility to respond from a wide range of creative choices. As a result of it the future becomes more and more exponential. It requires open mindedness from the leader.
It also means that responsibility entails choosing to be responsible as co-creator of our lives, our future and our world. As for the latter the scope much greater (taking a long-term and systemic perspective) than it was long time ago.
It also involves being ethical and demonstrating ethical behaviour, having greater integrity, and being transparent in his/her action and communication.
And last but not least responsible leaders do care for their people.
Nevertheless, it is quite easy to give responsibility away when you
- react in a patterned way
- blame others
- are more reactive instead of proactive
- or when you tend to be, and behave as a victim of your life.
Reflect, which of these you may notice about your own leadership operation?
If your answer is none, from whom you could obtain feedback to see whether there are any blind spots related to this arena?
The principles of Responsible Leadership by Northouse:
- Respect Others to allow them to be themselves, with creative wants and desires
- Service of Others: place others’ welfare foremost in plans
- Show Justice: enforce fair treatment
- Manifest Honesty: act truthfully
- Build Community: take into account own and others’ purposes whilst working towards common goals
There is a lot happening in our business and political world which creates a strong desire and hope for responsible leaders to emerge. Meanwhile we shouldn’t wait passively but rather call for the leader in ourselves and take the advice of Archbishop Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put all together that overwhelm the world.”
- What can make you a responsible leader?
- How can you be receptive to people while at the same time holding them accountable for their actions?
- How can you hold yourself accountable for your own actions?
- What platform can you create in order to provide place and time for your team to actively participate in co-creation of their future and their success as a team?
- How can you serve your community?
Sources: Co-Active Leadership by Henry & Karen Kimsey-House, Leadership Theory & Practice by Peter G. Northouse